Kumamoto earthquake death toll rises to 17; six without vital signs

The death toll from a powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture has climbed to 17, officials announced on July 30. The earthquake, officially named the "Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake," has also left six individuals without vital signs and at least one person still missing.

The disaster has caused significant damage and casualties in two main areas. At the "Aeon Mall Kumamoto" in Kashima Town, an explosion occurred after the earthquake, leading to the rescue of 11 people. Tragically, five of those rescued died, one is in critical condition, and five sustained injuries. One person remains unaccounted for at this site.

In Yatsushiro City, the "Nippon Paper Industries Yatsushiro Factory" suffered damage, including a collapsed chimney. Ten people were rescued from the factory premises, but eight of them were confirmed dead, and two were injured. One individual from this location is also missing.

Authorities have established 415 evacuation centers across Kumamoto Prefecture, providing shelter for 10,467 people displaced by the quake. Power outages continue to affect approximately 22,950 households in the region.