Death toll of the earthquake that ripped through Kumamoto in the southwestern part of Japan has risen to 34.

Authorities in Kumamoto prefecture said on Thursday that rescuers were still looking for trapped individuals after the earthquake destroyed houses and power lines.

Scores of people died after part of a shopping centre collapsed and an explosion swept the mall about an hour later.

Footage from the affected areas showed collapsed structures in Hikawa, damaged industrial facilities in Yatsushiro and fire at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto complex in Kashima.

Displaced residents are now staying in evacuation centres to keep cool and dehydrated amid sweltering heat.

Japan’s self-defense forces have also started installing approximately 300 air-conditioning units at evacuation centres and other essential locations across Kumamoto.

Military trucks have also transported water tanks to community centres and schools throughout Yatsushiro.

Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the death toll from the earthquake rose steadily.

“Even now, there are people waiting to be rescued, and this is a race against time,” Ms Takaichi stated.