Japan earthquake rescue efforts remained underway on Wednesday after a powerful earthquake struck the country’s south-western Kyushu region, killing at least 13 people and triggering more than 100 aftershocks. Authorities warned that stronger tremors could continue over the coming days as emergency teams searched for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island at 4:27pm local time on Tuesday. Japan’s Meteorological Agency measured the quake at magnitude 7.1, while the US Geological Survey later estimated it at magnitude 6.8. The shallow epicentre, around 10km deep, intensified the shaking across the region.
One of the worst-hit locations was the Aeon Mall in Kashima, where part of the second floor collapsed shortly after the earthquake. An explosion also occurred at the shopping complex within an hour of the quake. Aeon Mall President Akio Yoshida confirmed that three people were killed in the explosion, while several others were injured. Three workers remain unaccounted for as rescue teams continue searching through the debris.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the rescue mission as “truly a race against time,” saying more than 4,600 emergency personnel had been deployed across affected areas. Thousands of residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters, while many households remain without electricity.
The Japan Meteorological Agency urged residents to remain alert for strong aftershocks over the next week, particularly during the next two to three days. Officials warned that earthquakes with a maximum seismic intensity of 7 remain possible.
Elsewhere in Kumamoto Prefecture, rescue operations continued at a paper factory in Yatsushiro City, where multiple workers were trapped after structural damage. Officials also reported widespread damage to roads, bridges, homes and public buildings. Train services were suspended in several areas following the quake.
Authorities also cautioned both rescue workers and displaced residents about the risk of heatstroke, with daytime temperatures reaching around 35°C. Defence Minister Shinjirō Koizumi announced that approximately 300 air-conditioning units would be transported to evacuation centres in the worst-affected districts.
Residents described scenes of panic as emergency earthquake alerts sounded moments before the strong shaking began. Many survivors reported significant structural damage to homes, businesses and places of worship, while emergency crews continue searching for those still missing.
Japan, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent earthquakes due to the movement of multiple tectonic plates. Authorities said rescue operations and damage assessments will continue as aftershocks persist.
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