Tokyo, 29 July (H.S.): The death toll from the powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan's Kyushu region has risen to 13, as emergency teams continue search and rescue operations in the affected areas, authorities said on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the updated casualty figure, adding that the government has mobilised all available resources to support rescue efforts, provide emergency relief and restore essential services in the quake-hit region.
The earthquake struck on Tuesday afternoon with its epicentre in Kumamoto Prefecture at a shallow depth of around 10 kilometres, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The strong tremor was widely felt across Kyushu, prompting tsunami advisories for parts of the coastline and triggering evacuations in vulnerable coastal communities.
Authorities said several people were injured, while thousands of households experienced power outages following the quake. Emergency responders, including firefighters, police personnel and Self-Defence Forces, have been deployed to search damaged buildings, assist stranded residents and assess the extent of destruction.
The JMA warned that aftershocks could continue over the coming days and urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid damaged structures and follow evacuation instructions issued by local authorities.
Officials also confirmed that inspections at the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in Kagoshima Prefecture and the Genkai Nuclear Power Plant in Saga Prefecture found no abnormalities, with both facilities continuing to operate safely.
Japan, one of the world's most earthquake-prone nations, enforces some of the strictest seismic building standards and disaster preparedness measures. However, authorities cautioned that strong aftershocks, landslides and disruptions to transport and public utilities remain possible in the affected areas.
Rescue operations are continuing as officials work to locate any missing persons, restore infrastructure and provide assistance to displaced residents. Further updates on casualties and damage are expected as assessment teams complete surveys across the affected region.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
