Earthquake in Japan: Destruction and Rescue Efforts in Kumamoto

Heavy machinery is actively removing debris from AEON Mall, which experienced significant damage due to an explosion following an earthquake in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, located in southern Japan, on Friday, July 31, 2026.

The death toll has increased to 34 after a powerful earthquake struck southwestern Japan. This earthquake affected a mall, toppled a factory chimney, and destroyed homes, according to the Kumamoto prefectural government. The earthquake measured 7.1 in magnitude and hit the southern main island of Kyushu on Tuesday. Search operations are ongoing into the fourth day, but the number of missing people and the full extent of damage remain unclear.

Authorities have confirmed 34 deaths related to the disaster. One additional death is currently under investigation, and dozens of people have sustained injuries. Affected residents are also experiencing a lack of water and power.

Utility Disruptions and Relief Efforts

On Friday, more than 79,000 homes were without water supply, and over 3,500 homes had no electricity. With more than 9,000 people residing in shelters, efforts to provide air conditioning by adding power sources are underway.

Concerns about health issues are mounting due to high temperatures. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported temperatures reaching 36°C (97°F) in Kumamoto City on Friday, following 35°C (95°F) on Thursday.

Ongoing Search and Rescue

Rescue operations continue in the Kumamoto area, notably at the collapsed Aeon Mall in Kashima, which recorded severe damage. The mall was crowded with thousands when the quake happened. Approximately 3,000 shoppers were evacuated before an explosion occurred in a different section, trapping some staff members. The mall’s second floor collapsed, leading to fatalities.

Seven people were confirmed dead, and 11 were rescued at the mall site. The number of missing remains unspecified.

At the Nippon Paper Industries factory, where a chimney fell due to the quake, 11 people were rescued, while nine others died. Smaller search operations persist in areas with collapsed houses in southern Kumamoto.

Rail and Transportation Updates

Shinkansen bullet train services have resumed between Kumamoto and Fukuoka with limited operations. However, services to Kagoshima remain suspended. Local trains in southern Kumamoto are also not running due to damages caused by the earthquake.

Impact on Local Communities

Hikawa town, heavily impacted by the quake, has seen over 800 homes out of 4,500 destroyed or damaged. Many residents are choosing to sleep in vehicles, either in parks, at the town hall parking lot, or near their homes due to fear and lack of basic services like water and electricity.

A 70-year-old resident, Ayako Sudo, shared her experience of sleeping in her car with her husband to avoid the fear induced by aftershocks. This is her second time doing so after the region’s powerful quake in 2016. “It’s exhausting,” she expressed. “We’ve been sleep-deprived in the car.”