Japan Earthquake: Death toll now 34 as residents battle sweltering heat
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.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
NDC, FES seek stronger gender-responsive leadership to enhance peace, security
“Gender-responsive leadership dismantles systemic biases, creates inclusive environments and leverages diverse perspectives for better security outcomes,” he said.
Lagos
LUTH highlights advances in oral, maxillofacial surgery
LUTH highlighted the transformative role of oral and maxillofacial surgery in transforming faces, function and lives at its quarterly hospital grand round.
States
Kwara health indices below 50%: Expert
Mr Akande called for stronger leadership and improved health financing, saying Kwara’s health indices remain below 50 per cent.
Africa
South Sudan’s president dismisses central bank governor
Mr Kiir did not give a reason for the sacking but replaced Mr Damian with Addis Ababa Othow, who held the same position between June and November 2025.
NationWide
FG’s education reforms earn global commendation ahead of GPE summit
Mr Kikwete congratulated Mr Alausa on the progress being recorded in the education sector, describing it as Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening education systems.
Showbiz
BTS opts out of Grammys, says music should not be categorised by region, language
The decision comes shortly after the Grammys introduced a new category, Best Asian Pop Music Performance for the 2027 awards.
