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Death toll from southwestern Japan quake climbs to 23
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto in southwestern Japan, causing at least 23 deaths, with some reports raising the toll to 28, and leaving over 60 injured and many missing.
- The quake caused severe damage including an explosion at Aeon Mall, a collapsed factory chimney, and flattened homes, displacing thousands and leaving nearly 23,000 homes without electricity.
- Thousands of evacuees are staying in shelters or vehicles amid sweltering heat, raising concerns about heat stroke and illness, as emergency supplies like water and food are running low.
- Rescue efforts continue amid fears that time is running out to find survivors, with families anxiously awaiting news near the damaged sites.
- Local officials and self-defense forces are providing bottled water and emergency aid, but infrastructure challenges and aftershocks are complicating recovery efforts.
