Tokyo, July 29 (ANI): Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Wednesday that 13 people have died in the magnitude 7.1 Kumamoto earthquake as authorities continue search-and-rescue operations amid widespread destruction across the affected region.
In a post on X, Takaichi said that, as of 10:30 a.m. local time, the earthquake had claimed 13 lives, including deaths still under investigation to determine whether they were disaster-related. Extensive damage has also been reported throughout the region.
“Regarding the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake, as of 10:30 a.m. today, in addition to 13 fatalities, including those under investigation for disaster-related causes, extensive damage has been confirmed, including injuries, building collapses, fires, and road damage,” Takaichi said.
The prime minister expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and sympathy for those affected by the disaster.
“We extend our deepest condolences to those who have passed away, and we offer our heartfelt sympathies to their bereaved families. We also extend our sincere sympathies to everyone affected by the disaster,” she said.
Takaichi said the government is working to rapidly assess the extent of the damage while coordinating emergency response efforts across ministries and agencies.
She thanked local government officials, police, firefighters, the Japan Coast Guard, and the Self-Defense Forces for continuing search-and-rescue operations despite difficult conditions.
“There are still people awaiting rescue, and time is of the essence. We will mobilize every available resource on the ground to rescue and save as many lives as possible,” she said.
The prime minister also urged caution as hot weather continues in the disaster-stricken areas.
“The affected areas continue to experience high temperatures, so please take every precaution against heat-related illness, including those engaged in search-and-rescue and recovery operations,” she said.
Takaichi said the government is working to restore electricity and water supplies, while the Self-Defense Forces are conducting water distribution and patient transport operations.
She added that emergency supplies, including food, drinking water, cardboard beds, toilet paper, air conditioners, and power generators, are being delivered to evacuation centers through coordinated government efforts.
“As the Takaichi Cabinet, we will do everything possible,” she said.
The prime minister also announced that the government would convene the second Extraordinary Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters meeting later in the day to review the latest situation and accelerate relief and recovery efforts.
“Starting at 1:30 p.m. today, we will hold the Second Extraordinary Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting regarding the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake to share the latest situation and accelerate our response,” she said.
Earlier, before the death toll was updated, two women were reported dead and another woman was found unresponsive following an explosion at Aeon Mall Kumamoto in the town of Kashima on the southwestern island of Kyushu, hours after the powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan.
Government sources told Kyodo News that a gas leak is suspected to have caused the explosion. The prefectural government initially reported that 10 people were unaccounted for at the site.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said approximately 3,600 Self-Defense Forces personnel had been deployed across the disaster-hit region to assist emergency crews in rescue operations, according to Kyodo News. (ANI)
About The Author
