Japan in Shock: 13 Lives Lost in 6.8-Magnitude Earthquake, Army Launches Rescue Operation

At least 13 people have died after a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan.

Official confirmation came on Wednesday from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in a statement carried by Japan’s public broadcaster NHK.

Aftershocks have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, leaving dozens of residents trapped under the rubble. A commercial complex has been severely damaged, while emergency teams are racing against time to rescue survivors trapped inside.

At a paper factory, several employees have been reported missing, while a major section of a highway has completely collapsed under the force of the tremors.

In response to the disaster, thousands of military personnel have been placed on standby and deployed to the area to accelerate search-and-rescue missions and ensure the distribution of emergency aid to affected communities, according to NHK reports.