Emergency teams in Japan are continuing intensive search-and-rescue operations across the south-western island of Kyushu after a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, claiming at least 13 lives and leaving widespread destruction.
Authorities say more than 100 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial tremor, raising concerns about further damage and endangering rescue efforts.
Several injured victims remain in what Japanese officials describe as “cardiopulmonary arrest,” a medical term commonly used before deaths are formally confirmed.
Rescue personnel are working around the clock to reach people believed to be trapped beneath collapsed structures, including a paper manufacturing plant and a large shopping complex.
The commercial centre was rocked by an explosion shortly after the earthquake, worsening the devastation.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the rescue mission as a critical race against time, stressing that every effort is being made to locate survivors.
Thousands of displaced residents have sought shelter in evacuation centres, while many households continue to experience power outages.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has cautioned residents to remain vigilant, warning that strong aftershocks could continue over the coming days, particularly within the next 48 to 72 hours.
The earthquake struck at 4:27 p.m. local time with its epicentre in Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island.
Seismologists initially measured the quake at magnitude 7.1, while the United States Geological Survey later revised its estimate to 6.8.
Officials noted that such readings are frequently updated as additional data becomes available.
Among the hardest-hit locations was the Aeon Mall in Kashima, where part of the second floor gave way.
Video footage showed smoke rising from the building as frightened shoppers and employees rushed outside.
The blast also tore away sections of the building’s outer walls, exposing its steel framework.
Search operations remain underway for three individuals still missing at the shopping centre.
Mall President Akio Yoshida confirmed that three people lost their lives in the explosion, while several others sustained injuries.
One survivor was rescued from a restroom, while another remained in critical condition.
Yoshida expressed condolences to the victims and apologised for the tragedy during a media briefing.
Elsewhere, emergency responders were deployed to a factory in Yatsushiro City, where two workers were found dead and several others were reported missing.
According to the Prime Minister, more than 4,600 emergency personnel, including military units, firefighters and police officers, have been mobilised to assist with rescue and relief operations.
Authorities have also warned both survivors and rescue workers to guard against heat-related illnesses as temperatures climbed to approximately 35 degrees Celsius.
Defence Minister Shinjirō Koizumi announced that around 300 air-conditioning units would be transported to affected communities to improve conditions at evacuation shelters.
Television images broadcast across Japan showed collapsed buildings, damaged roads, cracked bridges and multiple fires, while rail services were suspended and electricity supplies disrupted in several areas.
Among the damaged landmarks was the historic worship hall of the 19th-century Yatsushiro Shrine, which partially collapsed during the earthquake.
Residents described terrifying moments as the ground shook violently.
Hiroko Ogata, a 75-year-old restaurant owner in Yatsushiro, said the powerful tremor was unlike anything she had experienced in her lifetime, adding that she genuinely feared for her life.
Visitors were also caught in the disaster.
American tourist Chantel Mohar recalled that emergency alerts sounded on passengers’ mobile phones while she and her family were travelling on a tour bus in Kumamoto.
She said the violent shaking created panic and confusion among those on board.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong