Japan search efforts continue after quake as wildfires rage in southern Europe

Search operations continue in Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that killed 13 people and displaced over 9,000 residents. Rescue crews are working to free individuals trapped after an explosion caused a floor collapse at the Aeon Mall in Kashima, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirming widespread structural damage.

Meanwhile, severe wildfires are escalating across southern Europe. Greek authorities conducted preventive evacuations in nine villages on the island of Paros due to a blaze near Kampi. In France and Spain, uncontrolled fires near Bordeaux and Madrid have forced over 260,000 people to flee. French officials distributed 1.5 million FFP2 masks to protect residents from smoke, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized that "the priority is saving lives."

Sources: Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero.