Kumamoto Earthquake Leaves 13 Dead as Survivors Describe Moments of Terror
Residents recount powerful tremors, widespread destruction and continuing aftershocks as rescue teams race to find survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Rescue teams search damaged buildings after the powerful earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan.
KUMAMOTO, JAPAN — The Kumamoto Earthquake has claimed at least 13 lives, injured dozens and left communities across southwestern Japan struggling with widespread destruction as emergency crews continue rescue operations and search for people trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, causing severe damage to homes, businesses, transport infrastructure and historical landmarks. Authorities said three people died at an Aeon shopping mall in Kumamoto City, where rescue workers continue searching for dozens believed to be trapped.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said emergency responders were in a “race against time” to locate survivors, with thousands of rescue personnel deployed across the affected region.
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Survivors Recall Powerful Tremors
Residents described the earthquake as one of the strongest to hit the region in decades.
Hiroko Ogata, 75, who co-owns a restaurant in Yatsushiro, said shelves collapsed and kitchen equipment crashed to the floor as the building shook violently.
She said she immediately took cover beneath a table, but the force of the tremors caused the furniture to move from side to side.
Although Kumamoto experienced devastating earthquakes in 2016, Ogata said this latest quake felt even more powerful.
Another resident, identified only as Yui, was inside her cake shop when the earthquake struck.
She said she struggled to distinguish the sound of the earthquake from a powerful explosion that followed nearby and described the experience as overwhelming.
Rescue Operations Continue
Emergency teams were rapidly deployed after the earthquake, with approximately 4,600 personnel assisting rescue and recovery efforts.
Authorities reported extensive damage to infrastructure, including power outages, disrupted water supplies and damage to at least 45 medical facilities.
Several transport services were suspended while engineers inspected roads, railways and public buildings for structural safety.
Rescue operations remain focused on collapsed structures, including the shopping mall where people are still believed to be trapped.
Historic Landmarks Damaged
The earthquake also caused significant damage to cultural and historical sites.
Sections of the outer walls of the 17th-century Kumamoto Castle collapsed, while the worship hall of the historic Yatsushiro Shrine was destroyed.
Officials are assessing damage to heritage sites as aftershocks continue across the region.
Fear of More Aftershocks
Residents continue to face repeated aftershocks, preventing many from returning safely to their homes and businesses.
Some supermarkets have reportedly run short of food and drinking water as people prepare emergency supplies.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency urged the public to remain vigilant, warning that additional strong earthquakes remain possible in the coming days.
Many business owners have begun cleaning damaged properties but say frequent aftershocks are slowing recovery efforts.
Local residents said the emotional impact remains significant as families cope with uncertainty while rebuilding their lives after one of the region’s strongest earthquakes in recent years.
