At least 13 people have been confirmed dead after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu on Tuesday, authorities said, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings.
The fatalities have all been reported in Kumamoto Prefecture, the area hardest hit by the earthquake. Officials warned that the death toll could rise further as search and rescue operations remain underway at multiple disaster sites.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday night, Prime Minister Sanaye Takaichi said emergency responders were working around the clock to locate and rescue those still trapped beneath the rubble.
“Many people are still waiting to be rescued from under collapsed structures. We are racing against time because every moment is critical. We will use all available resources to save those who are trapped,” Takaichi said.
The earthquake struck at 4:27 p.m. local time (1:27 p.m. Bangladesh time) on Tuesday. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers beneath the seabed off Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu.
Because the earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth beneath the sea, strong shaking was felt across the region, causing widespread structural damage. Kumamoto Prefecture suffered the most severe impact, with numerous buildings damaged or destroyed.
Emergency crews remain on the ground assessing the damage, searching for survivors, and providing assistance to affected communities as authorities monitor the evolving situation.
