Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi coordinates rescue efforts following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the central government will lead the coordination of rescue efforts following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday. The disaster caused significant damage, including an explosion at a mall, a collapsed factory chimney, and flattened homes, resulting in at least 25 confirmed deaths and 86 injuries. Rescuers are currently working to locate survivors in the Kumamoto area, where thousands of people remain in evacuation centers or staying in vehicles and tents. Many residents face challenges with limited water and electricity, while officials monitor for heatstroke risks in the sweltering heat. The most severe damage occurred at the Aeon Mall shopping center in Kashima, where a collapse trapped several people. In the Yatsushiro area, a factory chimney collapse resulted in eight deaths. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized that restoring essential services like water, gas, and electricity is a priority to provide certainty for the residents.