Kumamoto: Japanese officials are rushing to restore areas damaged by the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture after a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck last Tuesday, leaving at least 36 confirmed deaths.
According to Thai News Agency, rescue operations at the Aeon mall, heavily damaged by the explosion following the earthquake, have concluded. All 12 individuals trapped in the mall were evacuated, with seven confirmed dead, all of whom were employees of shops within the mall. No further missing persons have been reported, but rescue and relief efforts continue in other affected areas.
The earthquake has resulted in a death toll of at least 36, with over 3,400 homes damaged and approximately 9,000 people evacuated to temporary shelters. With temperatures exceeding 37 degrees Celsius, there have been multiple hospitalizations for heatstroke. The Japan Self-Defense Forces are providing essential relief by transporting drinking water and deploying over 300 portable air conditioners to evacuation centers, along with offering emergency hot tubs and hot meals such as curry and yakisoba.
The Kyushu Electric Power Company has largely restored electricity, yet over 79,000 homes and businesses remain without tap water due to damage in main water pipelines. The Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train service has resumed limited operations between Hakata and Kumamoto, but the southbound route to Kagoshima is still closed due to extensive track damage that requires significant repairs. Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Kyushu has extended the shutdown of three factories due to logistical and supplier challenges.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaishi extended condolences to the victims' families and highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation to assist and restore the affected regions.