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At least 13 killed in Japan earthquake as rescuers search for survivors in a ‘race against time’
NBC News • • world
Key Points:
- A magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture in southwestern Japan, killing at least 13 people and causing extensive damage, including to historic sites and infrastructure.
- Rescuers are actively searching for survivors trapped in collapsed buildings, such as the Aeon shopping mall, where three people died and three remain missing amid an investigation into a possible gas leak explosion.
- The quake caused widespread power outages affecting around 35,000 households, disrupted high-speed train services, derailed a freight train, and led to the deployment of thousands of soldiers to assist rescue efforts.
- Authorities have lifted the tsunami warning but caution residents about the risk of further strong aftershocks in the coming days, with the meteorological agency advising vigilance for earthquakes of similar intensity.
- No damage was reported at nearby nuclear facilities, including the Sendai nuclear power plant, with international monitoring by the IAEA continuing amid heightened sensitivity to seismic events in Japan.
