Japan Earthquake: Kyushu Island Hit by Major Quake, Dozens Trapped and Missing
Japan is reeling from the latest major earthquake to hit the country, with the southern island of Kyushu bearing the brunt of the disaster. The quake, which struck Kumamoto prefecture, has left people trapped and dozens unaccounted for. Kyushu, the third-largest of Japan’s four main islands and the second most populous, is now the focus of urgent rescue efforts as authorities race against time to locate survivors.
According to the Disaster Management Division of Kumamoto prefecture, ten people remain unaccounted for at a shopping center, specifically an Aeon Mall, where they are trapped inside. The fire service confirmed that people are still stuck in the building. Additionally, two individuals have been found in a state of cardiac arrest, and multiple others are missing across two key sites: the shopping center and a paper factory. In total, nineteen people are missing across these locations, as reported by BBC News Japan correspondent Chie Kobayashi.
Speaking at a press conference, Shinji Kiyomoto of Japan’s Meteorological Agency urged the public to “remain vigilant” for additional earthquakes, referencing the devastating 2016 quakes that struck the same region. Japan, which does not have a mainland but consists of four primary islands including Kyushu, is no stranger to seismic activity. The government has pledged to ensure the delivery of essential supplies such as food, water, simple air conditioners, and power vehicles to prevent heatstroke among survivors.
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on locating those still missing and providing aid to affected communities. The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of Japan’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and rapid response in saving lives.
Shimanta Das 
