The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck southwestern Japan has reached 30. Meanwhile, rescue teams are continuing the search for people who may still be alive under the rubble.
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The 6.8 magnitude quake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu on Tuesday. The earthquake caused significant damage to homes, buildings, and the power supply network, as confirmed by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Some of the victims died when part of a shopping center collapsed. About an hour after the collapse, the building was further damaged by an explosion, which is suspected to have been caused by a gas leak. Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the cause.
The focus of search and rescue operations is on the Aeon shopping center in Kashima, where part of the second floor collapsed, and on the Nippon Paper factory in Yatsushiro. At least five victims have been reported at this factory, while several workers were trapped under the debris. So far, seven of them have been rescued alive.
Approximately 9,000 displaced residents are sheltering in evacuation centers, while more than 30,000 households remain without power. Authorities have warned that temperatures could rise to 39 degrees Celsius in the coming days, increasing the risk of heatstroke.
In response to this situation, Japan’s Ministry of Defense has dispatched 300 air conditioners to the affected areas. Half of them will be installed in centers where evacuees are staying.
More than 100 aftershocks have been recorded since the main quake. Fearing more earthquakes, many residents have chosen to spend the night in their vehicles.
With a depth of only 10 kilometers, the earthquake was felt with high intensity throughout the Kumamoto region. Residents said it was one of the strongest tremors they had ever experienced.
