Japan Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 34 After Powerful Magnitude 7.1 Quake

Japan Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 34 After Powerful Magnitude 7.1 Quake
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The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck southwestern Japan has risen to 34, authorities in Kumamoto Prefecture announced, with six additional people reported seriously injured.

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck near the city of Uki on Tuesday, causing widespread damage across parts of Japan’s southern Kyushu island. The quake disrupted electricity supplies for around 40,000 homes, halted railway services, and triggered tsunami warnings in several coastal areas.

Authorities said nearly half of the fatalities were linked to two major incidents: structural damage at a Nippon Paper Industries facility and a suspected gas explosion at an Aeon shopping center.

Rescue teams continued search and recovery operations in affected areas, while local communities faced additional challenges, including water shortages during a period of extreme summer heat.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to remain alert for possible strong aftershocks as emergency services continued relief efforts.

Japan remains one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. A major earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in 2016 killed 275 people and caused extensive damage across the region.