Japan assesses earthquake damage as historic wildfires rage across southern Europe

In Japan's southwestern Kumamoto prefecture, emergency crews continue searching for survivors trapped following Thursday's 7.1 magnitude earthquake. The quake caused severe structural damage, splitting major highways and causing a partial collapse and explosion at a commercial center in Kashima.

Meanwhile, southern Europe faces mounting devastation from historic wildfires. In southwestern France, blazes have burned more than 42,000 hectares and advanced within 15 kilometers of Bordeaux. In Spain, officials report the largest wildfire in the country's recorded history, alongside major blazes in the Madrid region. Total evacuations across both European nations have surpassed 300,000 people. French President Emmanuel Macron urged national resilience, stating, "We will make it," as opposition figures criticized the government's disaster response.

Sources: Corriere della Sera