Death toll reaches 13 following magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Japan

Rescue operations are ongoing across southwestern Japan following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake centered in Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu island. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that at least 13 people have died, while government officials caution that the final death toll could reach into the dozens.

More than 9,000 residents remain in emergency shelters as authorities evaluate extensive structural destruction. Emergency crews are working to reach individuals trapped inside collapsed structures, including a shopping center in Kashima where a floor caved in following a reported explosion. Severe infrastructure damage, including fractured roadways and collapsed bridges, continues to hamper search efforts. Officials noted that the total number of missing persons remains unconfirmed.

Sources: Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, TV 2 Nyheter.