Japan Earthquake Aftermath: Over 100 Aftershocks Strike Kyushu as Death Toll Reaches 13
Japan’s southwestern island of Kyushu remains on edge after
a powerful earthquake triggered more than 100 aftershocks, leaving at least 13
people dead and dozens injured, according to national disaster authorities. The
7.1-magnitude quake struck Kumamoto Prefecture at 4:27 p.m. local time on
Tuesday, shaking buildings, cracking roads and sparking fires across the
region. Seismologists later adjusted the magnitude slightly, noting that
readings often change as more data becomes available. The quake’s shallow depth
about 10 kilometers — intensified the ground shaking, worsening structural
damage.
Race Against Time for
Survivors
Rescue teams continue combing through rubble in sweltering
temperatures nearing 35°C (95°F). Emergency crews are focusing on a damaged
paper factory in Yatsushiro City and a shopping complex in Kashima, where a
powerful explosion occurred shortly after the quake. Authorities say several
people remain missing.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the situation as “a
race against time,” as more than 4,600 emergency personnel — including
firefighters, police and Self-Defense Forces — have been deployed to assist in
rescue and recovery operations. Thousands of residents have sought refuge in
evacuation centers, many without electricity or running water. The government
has arranged for hundreds of portable air-conditioning units to be delivered to
the hardest-hit areas to prevent heatstroke among evacuees and rescue workers.
Mall Explosion and
Factory Collapse
One of the most heavily damaged sites is a large shopping
mall in Kashima, where part of the second floor collapsed. Witness videos
circulating on local outlet The Japan Times showed smoke billowing from the
structure as terrified shoppers fled into the parking lot. Company officials
confirmed fatalities linked to the explosion, and several injured individuals
were transported to nearby hospitals. At the time of the disaster, the mall
employed roughly 2,700 workers.
In Yatsushiro City, a factory also suffered significant
structural damage. Emergency crews recovered multiple victims, while search
efforts continue for workers believed to be trapped inside.
Aftershocks Keep
Residents on Edge
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has recorded more than
100 aftershocks since Tuesday’s main quake and warned residents to remain
vigilant. Officials say the risk of strong tremors — potentially registering a
seismic intensity of 7 on Japan’s scale — remains elevated over the coming
days.
“Aftershocks of this scale can cause already weakened
buildings to collapse,” a JMA spokesperson said during a press briefing covered
by Kyodo News. “People should avoid entering damaged structures and prepare for
further shaking.”
Train services across parts of Kyushu remain suspended, and
thousands of households are still without power. Engineers are inspecting
bridges and highways for structural integrity before reopening major routes.
Communities in Shock
Images from Kumamoto and surrounding towns reveal collapsed
buildings, shattered windows and debris-strewn streets. A historic worship hall
at Yatsushiro Shrine, dating back to the 19th century, suffered extensive
damage. For longtime residents, the quake has left emotional scars as well as
physical destruction.
Hiroko Ogata, 75, was working at her restaurant in
Yatsushiro when the earthquake hit.
“There was a violent jolt all of a sudden,” she said. “I
have lived here my whole life, and I have never felt anything like it. I truly
thought I wouldn’t survive.”
Visitors were also caught in the chaos. American tourist
Chantel Mohar was traveling on a sightseeing bus when emergency alerts blared
on passengers’ phones seconds before the ground began to shake.
“Everyone looked at each other in confusion, and then the
bus started swaying,” she said. “It was terrifying.”
Ongoing Relief Efforts
Government officials have pledged financial assistance for
affected families and businesses, while utility crews work around the clock to
restore power and water services. Disaster experts warn that the coming days
will be critical — not only for rescue operations but also for preventing
further injuries from aftershocks and extreme heat. As Kyushu begins the long
process of recovery, authorities continue urging residents to remain cautious,
conserve resources and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Further updates are expected as search operations continue
and damage assessments are finalized.