Rescue efforts were still underway across Kumamoto Prefecture more than 24 hours after a powerful earthquake struck the area. The quake reached Japan’s maximum seismic intensity level of 7, underscoring the scale of the disaster and the danger facing residents and emergency crews.
Authorities said 12 people had died, while six others were in cardiac arrest in the aftermath of the Kumamoto earthquake. Search teams continued working through affected areas as they tried to locate survivors and assess the full impact of the tremor.
Particular concern remained over three employees of Aeon Mall Kumamoto who were still unaccounted for. Their status added urgency to the ongoing rescue operation, with responders continuing searches even as more than a day had passed since the initial quake.
The situation in Kumamoto remained fluid as officials gathered information and emergency operations continued. With casualties confirmed and missing people still being sought, the Kumamoto quake was shaping into a major disaster for the prefecture.
