Tokyo: The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck southwestern Japan has risen to 13, while rescue teams continue searching for several people who remain missing beneath collapsed buildings and debris.
The earthquake caused widespread destruction across affected areas, damaging homes, roads, and public infrastructure. Emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, have been deployed to carry out intensive search-and-rescue operations as aftershocks continue to hamper relief efforts.
Authorities have evacuated thousands of residents to temporary shelters, warning of potential landslides and structural collapses triggered by continuing seismic activity. Power outages and disruptions to transportation and communication services have also been reported in several districts.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has directed all relevant agencies to prioritize rescue efforts and provide immediate assistance to affected communities. The government has urged residents to remain alert for aftershocks and follow evacuation advisories issued by local authorities.
Japan, one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, maintains strict seismic building standards and a robust disaster response system, but officials caution that rescue operations remain challenging as crews race against time to locate survivors.
