Death Toll Rises to 39 in Kumamoto Earthquake

Tokyo, August 8: The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan on July 28 has risen to 39, according to the provincial government. As of Saturday, over 6,500 individuals remain in evacuation and relief centers.

Officials report that 36 of the deceased died directly from the 7.1 magnitude earthquake. One additional death, attributed to heatstroke, is also considered disaster-related. The causes of death for two other individuals are under investigation for potential links to the earthquake.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the earthquake has resulted in 205 casualties in Kumamoto Prefecture, with 23 people suffering serious injuries.

The hardest-hit areas recorded a maximum intensity of 7 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale. This is the highest level on the scale, making it difficult for people to stand or move without crawling, and causing them to be thrown into the air by the tremors.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited the affected areas on Monday to assess relief and recovery efforts.

As reported by Kyodo News Agency, Takaichi assured those impacted by the 7.1 magnitude earthquake, stating, “The government will do everything it can.”

Wearing disaster response attire, the Prime Minister visited an evacuation center in Hikawa City, where she met with affected residents. She later conducted an aerial inspection of the Aeon Shopping Mall in Kashima City, where an explosion following the earthquake resulted in seven fatalities. Additionally, she surveyed a paper plant in Yatsushiro, where nine people lost their lives in the incident.

Aerial footage captured by Japan’s public broadcaster NHK on July 28 revealed extensive damage to buildings caused by the earthquake. Several sections of an exterior wall collapsed, exposing the steel framework inside. A portion of the roof also appeared to have collapsed, leaving a large hole.

Authorities now face the challenge of providing safe shelter for affected individuals, restoring damaged infrastructure, and returning normalcy to life in the earthquake-impacted areas.