Kumamoto earthquake death toll in Japan rises to 38

Tokyo: The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan has risen to 38, with more than 9,200 people still taking shelter in evacuation centres, according to local authorities.

Officials confirmed that 210 evacuation centres remain open, accommodating 9,226 displaced persons, as the region endures an intense heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 37 degrees Celsius in some areas.

Relevant agencies are continuing their efforts to restore essential services, while approximately 69,400 households remain without water supply. Extensive damage to buildings has been reported, including the collapse of 181 homes, in addition to thousands of other structures sustaining varying degrees of damage.

Authorities have stated that damage assessment operations are ongoing, adding that the tally of affected buildings is likely to rise as inspection work continues.

The Kumamoto Prefectural Government also announced the conclusion of search-and-rescue operations at a commercial facility belonging to the Aeon Group, where an explosion following the earthquake resulted in the deaths of seven workers and injuries to five others.