The death toll from the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture has risen to 35, according to reports from the national broadcaster NHK.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that search and rescue operations remain ongoing. Although the critical 72-hour window, often considered vital for finding survivors, has passed, emergency crews are intensifying efforts at key sites, including the collapsed sections of the Aeon Mall and the Nippon Paper Industries facility. Authorities have confirmed that six individuals rescued from the rubble are currently in critical condition.
The natural disaster has caused significant damage to regional infrastructure. Currently, approximately 80,000 households are without water, while 4,500 homes remain without electricity. The Ministry of Health has reported service disruptions at 53 medical facilities, and over 9,000 residents have been relocated to temporary shelters.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) recorded the 7.1 magnitude earthquake on July 28 at 16:27 local time, with the epicenter located at a depth of 10 kilometers in the Uki and Hikawa districts. The tremors caused widespread destruction, including collapsed roads and bridges, as well as multiple fires across the affected areas.
Japan is situated along the "Ring of Fire," a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. Due to its location, the country maintains some of the world's most stringent building codes and advanced early warning systems to mitigate the impact of frequent seismic activity.
