The death toll resulting from a strong earthquake in southwestern Japan has climbed to 34, according to the Kumamoto prefectural government’s announcement on Friday. Rescue teams are working urgently to locate survivors following the earthquake, which caused a mall explosion, the collapse of a factory chimney, and the destruction of homes throughout the region.
The disaster has left numerous households without power and tens of thousands without access to tap water. Many residents are currently residing in shelters or their vehicles, raising concerns among medical personnel about heat-related illnesses due to the scorching summer temperatures in the area.
The powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan’s southern Kyushu island on Tuesday.
As the search operations continue into the fourth day, the exact number of missing individuals remains unknown, and the extent of the damage to homes in the region is still unclear.
Officials have confirmed 34 deaths linked to the earthquake, with one additional fatality currently under investigation. Several individuals have sustained injuries.
By Friday afternoon, over 79,000 homes were lacking water supply, and more than 2,700 were without electricity. Authorities reported that over 9,000 individuals were taking refuge in shelters, where efforts are being made to provide air conditioning through additional power sources.
Due to power outages affecting gas stations and disruptions in fuel deliveries caused by the earthquake, fuel has become scarce. Many people are resorting to sleeping in their vehicles, but the shortage of fuel is making it challenging to run air conditioning amid sweltering temperatures.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, temperatures in Kumamoto city were anticipated to reach 36°C on Friday, following scorching heat of 35°C on Thursday.
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Earthquake shakes Japan, some victims trapped in collapsed mall
Japanese officials have highlighted Friday afternoon as a critical juncture for rescue operations, as some experts suggest that chances of survival decrease after the initial three days.
Rescue teams are continuing their efforts in the Kumamoto area, including at the Aeon shopping mall in the town of Kashima, where significant damage occurred. The mall was bustling with thousands of people at the time of the earthquake.
Approximately 3,000 shoppers were evacuated to a parking lot before an explosion occurred in another section of the mall, where some staff members were still present. The collapse of the mall’s second floor trapped individuals inside.
At the site, seven fatalities have been confirmed, and 11 individuals have been rescued, as reported by Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara in Tokyo on Friday. Authorities