Death Toll from Kumamoto Earthquake in Japan Rises to 32, with Thousands Displaced

The number of fatalities resulting from the powerful earthquake that shook Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan last week has increased to 32, while thousands of residents continue to reside in evacuation centres, according to state media on Sunday. Authorities have confirmed 30 deaths, while two other deaths are still under investigation to determine if they were caused by the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that occurred last Tuesday, as reported by public broadcaster NHK. More than 9,200 people are still staying in 210 evacuation centres, while over 3,400 homes have been damaged by the powerful quake.

Clean water supplies remain cut off for more than 69,000 households and businesses in Kumamoto. Health facilities affected by the earthquake are also still working to restore services. Local officials stated that approximately 30 people suspected of suffering from heatstroke were rushed to hospital on Saturday, as temperatures in several areas of Kumamoto reached over 37 degrees Celsius.

Local officials also warned that the overall level of damage cannot yet be determined, and the number of damaged buildings is likely to increase significantly as inspections continue. The Kumamoto Prefectural Government stated that search and rescue operations ended on Saturday at the Aeon shopping mall, where seven workers died and five others were injured due to an explosion that occurred shortly after the earthquake struck.

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. The country experiences approximately 20 per cent of all earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.0 or greater worldwide. The 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Kumamoto has forced major companies, including Sony and Toyota, as well as chip manufacturers, to halt factory operations due to damage and logistical disruptions. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has increased Self-Defence Force (SDF) personnel to 4,600 for the Kumamoto earthquake evacuation, focusing rescue efforts on the Aeon Mall and the Nippon Paper factory. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Tokyo, continues to monitor the situation following the earthquake.