Death Toll Rises to 13 After Powerful Earthquake Hits Southern Japan

At least 13 people have been confirmed dead after a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue searching for people trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

According to Japanese authorities, search and rescue operations are continuing across Kumamoto Prefecture, where the earthquake caused widespread destruction. Officials said at least eight people have been rescued alive, while emergency crews continue working to reach others believed to be trapped.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government had mobilised all available resources to support rescue efforts.

“There are still people awaiting rescue, and time is of the essence,” Takaichi said. “We will mobilise every resource on the ground to aim for the rescue and saving of as many lives as possible.”

Authorities reported extensive damage across the region, including collapsed buildings, fires, damaged roads and numerous injuries.

One of the worst affected sites was Aeon Mall in Kashima Town, where parts of the building’s roof and exterior walls collapsed. Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said multiple people were believed to be trapped inside after part of the second floor gave way.

The earthquake struck shortly before 4:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday on Japan’s southern Kyushu Island, with its epicentre in Kumamoto Prefecture. Since the initial quake, authorities have recorded around 190 aftershocks, raising concerns about additional structural collapses.

The shopping mall had been evacuated after the earthquake struck, but local broadcaster NHK reported that an explosion occurred shortly afterwards, further damaging the building.

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have deployed approximately 3,600 personnel to assist with rescue and relief operations, while the government has established an emergency disaster response task force.

Prime Minister Takaichi urged residents to remain vigilant, warning that strong aftershocks with seismic intensity levels of up to 7 could occur over the coming week.

Officials continue to assess the full extent of the damage as rescue teams race against time to locate survivors.