Tokyo: Rescue teams continued operations southern Japan on Thursday after a powerful earthquake struck the Kyushu region, killing at least 28 people and injuring dozens more. Authorities warned that the number of casualties could increase as emergency workers searched through collapsed buildings in some of the worst-affected areas.
The 7.1-magnitude earthquake, centred near Kumamoto Prefecture, shook large parts of Kyushu, damaging homes, roads, bridges and public facilities. The tremor also disrupted electricity and water supplies, leaving thousands of residents without essential services and forcing many families to spend the night in temporary evacuation centres.
Officials said search-and-rescue teams, supported by firefighters, police personnel and members of Japan's Self-Defense Forces, have been working continuously to locate survivors trapped beneath the debris. Heavy equipment has been deployed to clear damaged structures, while medical teams are treating the injured at nearby hospitals and emergency shelters.
Relief operations have become more challenging due to repeated aftershocks and intense summer heat. The Japan Meteorological Agency has urged residents to stay away from damaged buildings and remain prepared for further seismic activity, warning that strong aftershocks could continue over the coming days.
The earthquake also affected transportation and industrial activity across the region. Several railway services were suspended for safety inspections, while sections of highways were temporarily closed after cracks were reported. Some automobile and semiconductor manufacturing plants halted production as engineers began assessing structural damage.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi chaired an emergency meeting soon after the earthquake and instructed government agencies to speed up rescue and relief work. Additional personnel from the Self-Defense Forces have been deployed to assist local authorities with evacuation, medical care and the restoration of electricity and water services.
Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several major tectonic plates meet. Strict building regulations and regular disaster preparedness drills have helped reduce casualties in many earthquakes, but powerful tremors continue to pose significant risks, particularly in densely populated areas.
Authorities have appealed to residents to rely only on official information, conserve emergency supplies and cooperate with local evacuation instructions as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
Key Highlights
- A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kyushu region.
- Kumamoto Prefecture was among the worst-hit areas.
- At least 28 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 60 injured.
- Thousands remain without electricity and water.
- Rescue operations are continuing amid strong aftershocks.
- Transport services and several factories have been temporarily disrupted.
Disclaimer: This is a developing story. Official casualty figures and damage assessments may change as rescue operations continue and authorities release updated information.
