The death toll from the powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture has climbed to 13, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Authorities have warned residents to remain alert for strong aftershocks and possible landslides over the coming week.

Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the rescue operation as "a race against time" and said all available emergency resources had been mobilised to assist affected communities.

The earthquake struck around 20 kilometres south of Kumamoto City on Kyushu Island, causing widespread structural damage, power outages and disruption to transportation networks across the region.

Massive Evacuation Underway

Authorities have ordered nearly 260,000 residents to evacuate to temporary relief centres across Kumamoto Prefecture as a precaution against aftershocks and landslides.

More than 36,000 households remain without electricity, while soaring temperatures of around 34°C have raised concerns about heat-related illnesses among displaced residents staying in emergency shelters.

Emergency officials have urged people to avoid damaged buildings and remain prepared for additional seismic activity.

Mall Explosion Claims Two Lives

Rescue workers continued operations at a partially collapsed shopping mall where an explosion, suspected to have been caused by a gas leak, occurred about an hour after the earthquake.

Eight people were rescued from the debris, but two women in their twenties lost their lives in the blast.

Authorities said around 20 to 30 mall employees remain unaccounted for, and search operations are continuing.

Investigators are examining whether damaged gas infrastructure triggered the explosion following the quake.

Infrastructure and Industries Hit

The earthquake caused extensive damage to roads, disrupting traffic and emergency access in several parts of Kumamoto Prefecture.

Several passengers travelling on Shinkansen bullet trains sustained injuries during the powerful tremors, while rail services were temporarily suspended for safety inspections.

Industrial operations also suffered major disruptions.

At a Nippon Paper Industries factory, a chimney collapse left seven workers missing and seriously injured four others.

Major companies including Honda and Tokyo Electron suspended operations at local facilities, while semiconductor manufacturer TSMC temporarily evacuated employees before gradually resuming limited operations later in the day.

Hospitals Overwhelmed

Medical facilities across the affected region are treating dozens of injured people as emergency services struggle to cope with the influx of patients.

One hospital near the epicentre reportedly continued functioning despite losing electricity, operating under emergency conditions similar to a field hospital.

Another medical facility suspended new admissions after receiving 86 injured patients within a short period.

Authorities have deployed additional medical teams to assist hospitals facing increased pressure.

Japan on High Alert

The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that strong aftershocks may continue over the next several days and advised residents to stay away from unstable slopes due to the heightened risk of landslides.

No abnormalities have been reported at nearby nuclear facilities following the earthquake, according to Japanese regulators.

A Nation Familiar with Earthquakes

Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates converge.

The country experiences nearly 20% of the world's earthquakes measuring magnitude 6.0 or higher.

Kumamoto itself witnessed a devastating earthquake in 2016, which claimed 275 lives, injured thousands and caused widespread destruction, leading to stricter building standards and disaster preparedness measures.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rescue efforts remain focused on locating survivors trapped under collapsed structures.