A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Kumamoto region on Japan's southern island of Kyushu late Tuesday, leaving at least 13 people dead and prompting a massive search-and-rescue operation. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the death toll on Wednesday and said rescue teams were racing against time to locate those still trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
"There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it's a race against time," Takaichi said, pledging that authorities would do everything possible to save lives. She also extended her condolences to the victims' families and urged residents in affected areas to protect themselves from the extreme heat.
Japan's Self-Defense Forces joined emergency responders in rescue efforts at heavily damaged sites, including a shopping mall, while also helping deliver water and transport injured people. The government is preparing to send food, water, and other essential supplies to the hardest-hit communities as recovery operations continue.
