Japan Earthquake Kills 13, Rescue Operation Underway

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Kumamoto area on the southern main island of Kyushu in Japan late Tuesday afternoon, killing 13 people and leaving many more missing.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the death toll and said rescue work was continuing Wednesday morning for those still trapped under the debris.

The quake caused widespread destruction, including the collapse of the second floor of the Aeon Mall in Kashima Town, trapping people, and a chimney collapse at the Nippon Paper Industries Co.'s Yatsushiro factory.

The affected area is about 900 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that major public facilities or infrastructure were not damaged.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority also confirmed that no abnormalities were found at three nearby nuclear power plants.

Many major manufacturers in Kyushu suspended operations on Tuesday but found no major damage and planned to resume work on Wednesday.

The runway at Aso Kumamoto Airport was closed, and a train derailed and fell on its side at Yatsushiro station.

Stone walls were also damaged at Kumamoto Castle, a main tourist destination that was badly damaged in the 2016 quake and is still being repaired.

The Japan Self Defence Forces joined rescue workers in the search and rescue operations, delivering water, food, and other necessities to the hard-hit areas.

Prime Minister Takaichi offered her condolences to the victims and sympathy to their relatives, urging those affected by the quake to take care of themselves under the hot weather.

The search for survivors continues, with rescue teams racing against time to find and rescue as many people as possible.

The earthquake has caused significant damage and disruption to the region, with many homes crumbled and bridges collapsed.

The international community is watching the situation closely, and Japan is likely to receive support and aid in the coming days.

The earthquake is a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for swift and effective response to such emergencies.

In the aftermath of the disaster, the Japanese government and rescue teams are working tirelessly to rescue those trapped and provide aid to those affected.

The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates are expected in the coming hours and days.