Kumamoto Earthquake Toll Rises to 35 as 'Golden Rescue Time' Nears End

The death toll from a powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture has climbed to 35, as the critical 72-hour window for rescue operations draws to a close. The prefecture's disaster response headquarters reported the latest figures on Friday morning, with the number of fatalities increasing by one from the previous day.

Tragically, the earthquake led to significant loss of life at multiple locations. At the Aeon Mall in Kashima Town, where a large explosion occurred following the quake, 11 people were rescued, but nine died. Similarly, at the Yatsushiro plant of Japan Paper, where a large chimney collapsed onto a work area, 12 individuals were rescued, but seven succumbed to their injuries. Rescue operations at the Japan Paper plant have concluded, while teams continue to search for victims at the Aeon Mall site.

Beyond the immediate casualties, the earthquake has caused widespread damage to infrastructure, particularly in the southern Kumamoto region, the epicenter of the tremors. Numerous homes, especially older structures in rural areas, have collapsed. Road damage is also prevalent, complicating assessment of the full extent of housing destruction. Over 9,100 residents have evacuated to 390 shelters due to safety concerns. Thousands are experiencing disruptions to essential services, with 4,540 households reporting power outages and 79,100 households facing water shortages.

As the 'golden rescue time' approaches its end, families of those missing or unaccounted for are anxiously awaiting news. Reports indicate that hundreds of aftershocks have rattled the region since the main quake on Thursday. While most have been minor, a few stronger tremors have occurred, adding to the ongoing anxiety. Despite the devastation, no student casualties have been reported, as schools were on summer break.

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I keep calling my wife several times but cannot connect. Honestly, I have some expectations, but I want to be near the accident site if possible.