The death toll from the devastating 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture has climbed to 23, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Emergency operations are going through yet another tough day, as conditions continue to be serious.
A strong 5.8-magnitude aftershock has interrupted search-and-rescue efforts repeatedly and crews will be temporarily unable to do their jobs over fears that more crumpling could occur. The Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the search operation as a “race against time,” in which thousands of police officers and the staff of Japan’s Self Defense Forces and firefighters are deployed throughout the disaster-stricken area.
Roofer footage has mostly focused on the damaged Nippon Paper Industries factory and the partially collapsed Aeon mall in Kashima Town where police are still trying to search for missing people. The rescue has become increasingly precarious due to unstable debris and the regular tremors, officials say.
An added obstacle is how extreme summer temperatures (35°C – 40°C) are increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses to survivors and to first responders. Thousands of people are still evacuated, and authorities have increased their water distribution and have set up cooling centres and medical facilities.
Losing power or a water main are widespread issues that still are hampering tens of thousands of households in the community of Kumamoto and surrounding regions. But disaster officials have also issued a warning that more aftershocks may hit in the days ahead, and emergency responders have been deployed to work around-the-clock to free survivors and restore vital services.
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