Japan Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 13 as Rescuers Race Against Time

A powerful earthquake struck the southern Japanese city of Kumamoto on Tuesday afternoon, leaving at least 13 people dead and prompting a large-scale rescue operation, the Japanese Prime Minister confirmed.

Speaking to reporters, the Prime Minister stated that 13 people were confirmed dead following the 7.1 magnitude quake, which hit the Kumamoto area on the island of Kyushu. “There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it’s a race against time,” the Prime Minister said. “We will marshal all available resources on the ground to save and rescue as many people as possible.”

The Prime Minister expressed condolences to the families of those who died and extended sympathies to all affected by the disaster. Rescue teams are continuing to search for missing persons amid collapsed buildings and debris.

The earthquake, which occurred late Tuesday afternoon, has caused widespread damage, with reports of collapsed houses and infrastructure disruptions. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant for aftershocks.