13 Killed as Powerful Earthquake Hits Japan

Igwe Grace Chiamaka

At least 13 people have died after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan on Tuesday, leaving several others trapped under collapsed buildings. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said rescue teams were in a "race against time" to save people still waiting for help.

Rescue workers continued search operations at the collapsed Aeon Mall in Kashima and the Nippon Paper factory in Yatsushiro. The government deployed about 4,600 emergency workers, including police officers, firefighters and members of the Self-Defence Forces, to search for survivors and assist victims.

Meanwhile, the earthquake caused serious damage to homes, businesses and historic buildings across Kumamoto Prefecture. Nearly 10,000 people were forced to leave their homes, while thousands of households lost electricity. Authorities also advised residents and rescue workers to protect themselves from heat as temperatures were expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius.

Furthermore, transport and business activities were affected after the earthquake. Bullet train services on Kyushu Island were suspended, while major companies, including Honda, Sony and TSMC, temporarily paused operations while inspecting their buildings for damage.

In addition, survivors said it was one of the strongest earthquakes they had ever experienced, with buildings shaking violently and household items falling to the ground. Authorities warned that aftershocks could continue and advised residents to stay alert as rescue work and inspections continued.

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