Kumamoto, Japan earthquake leaves at least 18 dead and triggers massive rescue effort

A magnitude‑7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, producing more than 100 aftershocks. The disaster has caused at least 18 deaths, including three at an explosion in the Aeon Mall Kashima shopping centre, and injured over 60 people, with several still missing.

Rescue operations involve thousands of Self‑Defence Force personnel, firefighters and volunteers, as well as special rescue teams from Taiwan. Authorities have opened temporary shelters for roughly 8,800 evacuees, while power outages affect about 34,900 households and water supplies are disrupted for thousands of homes. Prime Minister Sanae Takahashi described the situation as a "race against time" and announced the deployment of food, medical aid and air‑lifted air‑conditioning units to cooling centres amid 35 °C heat.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of continued strong aftershocks and the risk of further landslides, prompting ongoing monitoring and public safety alerts.