Japan quake death toll climbs to 13 as search efforts continue

A powerful earthquake in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture has claimed at least 13 lives, while rescue crews continue searching for seven missing workers trapped after the strong tremor. The quake caused extensive damage across southwestern Japan, triggering building collapses, fires and infrastructure failures, with authorities warning that further seismic activity remains possible.

Rescue operation enters critical phase

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said at least 33 people were injured in the disaster, according to public broadcaster NHK. Emergency teams have focused their efforts on a paper manufacturing plant in Yatsushiro, where 11 workers were trapped when the earthquake struck. Four employees have been rescued, including two who were found in cardiac arrest and two others with serious injuries, while search operations continue for the remaining workers.

Infrastructure suffers extensive damage

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake caused widespread destruction throughout Kumamoto Prefecture, including collapsed bridges, damaged buildings, house fires and the failure of steel transmission towers. Around 48,000 households were left without electricity following the disaster. The earthquake also reached the highest level, 7, on Japan's seismic intensity scale, marking the strongest recorded shaking since the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake.

Transport disrupted as aftershocks continue

Authorities suspended services on the Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train line for Wednesday, while tram operations in Kumamoto city are expected to resume with reduced speeds. Local transportation officials warned that services could be halted again if additional strong aftershocks occur. The US Geological Survey initially measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.1 before revising it to 6.8, while a magnitude 5.6 aftershock struck less than an hour later.

Japan remains vulnerable to major earthquakes

Japan is among the world's most earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates converge. The country experiences roughly one-fifth of the world's earthquakes measuring magnitude 6.0 or higher, making strict building standards, early warning systems and emergency preparedness central to its disaster management strategy. Officials continue to urge residents in affected areas to remain vigilant as aftershocks are expected in the coming days.