Japan Hit by Over 100 Aftershocks After Deadly Kyushu Earthquake
Japan’s south-western Kyushu region has recorded more than 100 aftershocks following a powerful earthquake that killed at least 13 people and left several others trapped under collapsed buildings.
The 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, causing widespread damage to homes, roads and public facilities. Emergency teams continue searching through rubble as authorities warn residents to remain alert for more powerful aftershocks.
Many people affected by the disaster have been described as being in “cardiopulmonary arrest,” a term used by Japanese authorities before an official confirmation of death is made.
Rescue operations are continuing at the Aeon Mall in Kashima and a paper factory in Yatsushiro City, where people remain missing. The shopping centre suffered an explosion shortly after the earthquake struck, causing parts of the building to collapse.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the rescue efforts as “a race against time,” saying thousands of people have been moved into evacuation centres while many areas remain without electricity.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned residents to prepare for possible strong aftershocks over the coming days. Officials said people should remain cautious, especially within the first week following the earthquake.
At the Aeon Mall, three people remain missing as rescue teams search the damaged structure. Mall president Akio Yoshida confirmed that three workers died in the explosion, while four others were taken to hospital.
Footage from the shopping centre showed smoke rising into the air as people escaped into the car park. Large sections of the building’s exterior were damaged, exposing steel structures beneath.
Yoshida expressed regret over the incident and said efforts were focused on supporting victims and assisting rescue teams.
At the Nippon Paper factory in Yatsushiro City, two people were found with no signs of life, while several others remained unaccounted for. Officials said rescue operations were continuing as emergency workers searched damaged areas.
More than 4,600 personnel have been deployed to support rescue and recovery efforts. However, extreme heat has created additional challenges, with temperatures reaching around 35 degrees Celsius.
Authorities have warned rescue workers and survivors to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during clean-up operations. Defence Minister Shinjirō Koizumi announced that hundreds of air conditioning units would be sent to the worst-affected areas.
The earthquake’s magnitude was initially measured at 7.1 by Japanese officials before being revised to 6.8 by the United States Geological Survey. The quake had a shallow depth of around 10 kilometres, increasing the impact on nearby communities.
Images from the affected areas showed damaged roads, collapsed buildings and fires. Train services were suspended, while thousands of homes lost power.
Residents described the earthquake as one of the strongest they had ever experienced. A 75-year-old restaurant owner in Yatsushiro City said the sudden shaking left her frightened, while an American tourist visiting Kumamoto recalled the confusion as earthquake alerts sounded on mobile phones.
As Japan continues rescue efforts, authorities are urging residents to stay cautious while communities begin recovering from one of the country’s most serious recent earthquakes.
