Kumamoto: The death toll from Tuesday's significant earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, has climbed to 18 by Thursday morning. Search operations are ongoing to locate individuals whose whereabouts remain unknown.
According to Philippines News Agency, as of 11 a.m., 18 fatalities have been confirmed following the quake, which recorded an estimated magnitude of 7.1. Six others are in a state of cardiac arrest, and five are in serious condition, as reported by the prefectural disaster response headquarters. The disaster response team is still assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the earthquake, which registered a seismic intensity of up to 7 on Japan's scale.
The total number of casualties has reached 86. In a press conference held in Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that the central government acknowledges 28 deaths, including those under investigation for potential links to the disaster.
At the Aeon Mall Kumamoto shopping facility in Kashima, an explosion led to a partial collapse of the second floor, resulting in 12 rescues. Among them, six were later confirmed dead, and one remains in cardiopulmonary arrest. At Nippon Paper Industries Co.'s plant in Yatsushiro, a collapsed chimney led to the rescue of 10 people, with eight confirmed dead. Search efforts are ongoing for one person believed to be trapped within the facility.
Authorities have reported destroyed houses and damaged bridges in severely affected areas, but the overall damage assessment is still pending. As of 7:30 a.m. Thursday, 10,467 individuals were taking shelter at 415 evacuation centers across the region.
Essential utility services face disruptions, with power outages impacting approximately 22,950 households. More than 74,800 households in municipalities including Uki, Uto, Yatsushiro, and Hikawa are without running water. Medical facilities have also been affected, prompting the deployment of disaster medical assistance team members to provide support.
This incident marks the first major crisis response undertaken by the Takaichi administration since its inception in October last year. In response to the earthquake, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to expedite the disbursement of ordinary local allocation tax grants to affected municipalities. Takaichi emphasized the urgency of rescue efforts, stating, "As there are still people waiting for help, we're in a race against time," and instructed officials to prioritize lifesaving and rescue operations. She also directed the implementation of measures to restore infrastructure, ensure a supportive environment for evacuees, and supply gasoline to those living in their cars.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a warning that another earthquake with a similar maximum intensity may occur within about one week of Tuesday's disaster.
