Japan earthquake rescues continue as historic wildfires spread across southern Europe

Emergency crews in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture are searching for survivors after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake caused major structural damage, split highways, and triggered an explosion at a commercial center in Kashima. Local authorities report that people remain trapped inside damaged buildings following the collapse of sections of the complex.

Concurrently, southern Europe is battling unprecedented wildfires amid rising temperatures. In southwestern France, blazes have consumed more than 42,000 hectares, encroaching within 15 kilometers of Bordeaux and prompting the deployment of military aircraft alongside the distribution of 1.5 million masks to protect residents from smoke. In Spain, firefighters are confronting the largest wildfire in national history, with severe blazes expanding near Madrid. Total evacuations across France and Spain have surpassed 260,000 people. French President Emmanuel Macron declared "We will make it," despite criticism from political opponents regarding state readiness.

Sources: Corriere della Sera