The death toll from the Kumamoto earthquake in southwestern Japan rose to 14 by Wednesday morning, according to local media reports. The updated figure came as emergency teams continued working through damaged areas after the powerful tremor.
Rescue workers were trying to reach people believed to be trapped under rubble. The focus remained on search and recovery efforts as crews responded to collapsed structures and other quake damage.
The earthquake was reported as magnitude 7.1 and struck at about 4:27 p.m. Tuesday. Its impact was centered in Kumamoto, adding to concern across the region as authorities assessed the scale of destruction.
The situation was still developing, with casualty numbers and damage reports expected to change as more information emerged. Officials and emergency responders remained engaged in rescue operations through Wednesday.
