Kumamoto Earthquake Claims 34 Lives, Thousands Remain In Shelters

The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture has risen to 34, according to local authorities. The number includes several cases that are still under investigation to determine whether the deaths were directly linked to the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that caused widespread damage across the region.

At a disaster response headquarters meeting held on Thursday, officials from the Kumamoto Prefectural Government confirmed that nine of the reported deaths were being examined for their connection to the earthquake. Rescue operations and damage assessments are continuing as authorities work to understand the full impact of the disaster.

At a Nippon Paper factory in Yatsushiro City, where a smokestack collapsed following the earthquake, rescue teams recovered 10 people from the site. Eight people were confirmed dead, while two others were injured. Another person who had been reported missing was later found in the rubble on Thursday afternoon, though details about the person’s condition were not immediately available.

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A separate incident occurred at Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima Town, where a major explosion was reported after the earthquake. Rescue teams have recovered 12 people from the location, with seven confirmed dead and five others injured. Police and firefighters continue search operations to determine whether additional people remain trapped.

The earthquake has severely affected daily life in the prefecture, with more than 9,400 people currently staying in 406 evacuation shelters. Around 79,700 households have been left without water, and local authorities said there is no confirmed timeline for restoration in several affected areas.

Power disruptions have also impacted residents, with around 19,000 households remaining without electricity as of Thursday afternoon. Kyushu Electric Power said electricity restoration could be completed by Friday evening if repair work continues as planned.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held an emergency disaster response meeting on Wednesday to review the situation. She expressed condolences to the victims and assured affected families that the government was working with relevant agencies to assess the damage, provide immediate assistance and coordinate relief efforts across Kumamoto Prefecture.

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