KUMAMOTO, Japan — The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Japan's southwestern Kumamoto Prefecture has risen to at least 25, while rescue crews continued searching collapsed buildings and damaged industrial sites for survivors, according to Japanese authorities on Thursday. Nine additional deaths were being investigated to determine whether they were directly related to the disaster.
Thousands of emergency personnel, including members of the Self-Defense Forces, remained deployed across the affected areas, where rescue operations have been complicated by aftershocks, damaged infrastructure and temperatures approaching 35 degrees Celsius (95°F). Authorities said many households were still without electricity or running water, and evacuation centers continued to shelter displaced residents.
The government said fatalities were concentrated at a damaged paper mill and a shopping mall that suffered severe structural damage during the quake. Search operations were continuing at both sites as emergency teams worked to locate anyone still missing. Officials have not released a final count of those unaccounted for, and damage assessments remain underway.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government was prioritizing rescue efforts and the restoration of essential services, including water and power, while warning residents to remain alert for further aftershocks. Relief teams have distributed drinking water and other emergency supplies to evacuation centers as utility crews work to restore infrastructure.
The earthquake has also disrupted manufacturing in Kyushu, prompting several major companies to suspend operations. Authorities said the full extent of the damage was still being assessed, and casualty figures could change as rescue operations continue.
