The death toll from the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, has risen to 34. Many fatalities have been confirmed at the Japan Pulp and Paper Yatsushiro factory and Aeon Mall Kumamoto, as rescue and search operations continue.
Asahi Shimbun reported that Kumamoto Prefecture held a disaster response headquarters meeting on the afternoon of July 30, announcing that the number of casualties from the earthquake has reached 120. Among the deceased, 25 have been confirmed by local municipalities as having died due to the disaster. The death toll increased by 17 since the morning announcement.
The major affected facilities include eight fatalities at the Japan Pulp and Paper Yatsushiro factory and seven at Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. There are also five individuals reported with serious injuries.
At Aeon Mall Kumamoto, an explosion and building collapse occurred following the earthquake. Forty members of the Fukuoka Prefectural Police's first response team were deployed to the scene, where the ceiling and exterior walls had collapsed, creating a risk of secondary incidents while they searched for missing persons.
According to reports, one rescue team member stated, "We operated under the belief that there must be someone inside waiting for rescue." The search began at approximately 10:30 PM on July 28, and by 4:30 PM the following day, they discovered a missing person in cardiac arrest.
In a collapsed house in Yatsushiro City, a man was found trapped. Fire authorities reported that they used a crane to support the roof before removing debris to rescue the man, but he was later confirmed dead.
Takaichi Sanae, Japan's Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, announced plans to establish a local disaster response headquarters at the Kumamoto Prefectural Office. As of the afternoon of July 30, about 9,800 residents are taking shelter in approximately 420 evacuation centers.
Minister Takaichi emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe environment for evacuees, noting the increased risk of heat-related illnesses due to ongoing high temperatures. "Supporting affected residents is a critical phase," she stated.
The Self-Defense Forces are conducting rescue and relief operations with a total of 5,100 personnel, an increase of 500 from the previous day. They are also transporting drinking water and essential supplies using ships and other means.
The earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture at 4:27 PM on July 28, registering a maximum intensity of 7.1.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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