Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced that a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto area in southwestern Japan, resulting in the tragic loss of 13 lives. Rescue efforts are ongoing as emergency responders work tirelessly to locate missing individuals in the aftermath of the powerful quake.
Takaichi emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that there are still people awaiting rescue, underscoring the critical need for swift action. Expressing condolences to the victims and solidarity with their families, she urged those impacted by the earthquake to prioritize their well-being, especially in the sweltering weather conditions.
Collaborating with Japan’s Self Defense Forces, rescue teams are concentrating their efforts on a severely damaged shopping mall, providing essential supplies such as water and food to the severely affected regions. Reports indicate that the Aeon Mall in Kashima Town suffered significant structural damage, leading to people being trapped on the second floor during the tremor.
In another incident, a chimney collapsed at the Nippon Paper Industries Co.’s Yatsushiro factory, resulting in individuals being trapped beneath the debris, as reported by the Kumamoto emergency team. The affected area is situated approximately 900 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city.
Despite the earthquake’s impact, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed that major public facilities and infrastructure remained intact. Additionally, the Nuclear Regulation Authority reported no irregularities at nearby nuclear power plants following the seismic event.
Kyodo News disclosed that a hospital in Yatsushiro received around 40 individuals with injuries, while approximately 50 others were taken to a hospital in Kumamoto city for medical treatment. Although several major manufacturers in Kyushu temporarily halted operations, they reported minimal damage and planned to resume production the following day.
Aso Kumamoto Airport’s runway was temporarily closed due to the earthquake, with no immediate timeline provided for its reopening. Meanwhile, a train derailment occurred at Yatsushiro station, and damage to stone walls was observed at Kumamoto Castle, a popular tourist attraction still undergoing repairs from the 2016 earthquake.
Reflecting on the recent seismic activity, Hiroki Shimoda, an official at Mifune town hall, expressed fear reminiscent of the devastating 2016 Kumamoto quake that claimed numerous lives. The Japan Meteorological Agency’s Shinji Kiyomoto cautioned residents to remain vigilant in the coming days due to the potential for aftershocks.