The death toll from the powerful earthquake in southwestern Japan has risen to 34, according to the Kumamoto prefectural government. The latest update points to a worsening human toll after the strong tremor struck the region.
Officials said the magnitude 7.1 earthquake caused serious destruction across affected areas. Reported damage included an explosion at a mall, a toppled factory chimney and homes that were flattened by the shaking.
The quake hit Kumamoto prefecture in Japan’s southwest, adding to concerns about the scale of the disaster and the condition of damaged buildings. With the number of fatalities increasing, the focus remained on the impact across communities and the extent of structural damage.
Japan is regularly affected by strong earthquakes, but this event stood out for both its intensity and the level of destruction reported in Kumamoto. Authorities continued to assess the aftermath as the region dealt with the consequences of the disaster.
