The death toll from the powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan’s Kyushu Island on Tuesday has risen to 34, as rescue teams continue to search for survivors amid widespread destruction across the Kumamoto region.

According to the Kumamoto Prefectural Government, 34 deaths have been officially confirmed, while authorities are still investigating the cause of another reported fatality. More than 80 people have been injured, including five who remain in critical condition.

The strong earthquake caused extensive damage to homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. Several buildings collapsed, an explosion was reported at a shopping mall, and a factory chimney came crashing down, trapping workers beneath the debris.

Massive Rescue Operations Underway

Emergency response teams, supported by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, are carrying out large-scale rescue and relief operations across the affected areas.

One of the worst-hit locations was the Aeon Mall in Kashima City, where thousands of shoppers were present when the earthquake struck. Part of the mall’s second floor collapsed, trapping several people inside. Rescue workers recovered seven bodies from the site while 11 people were rescued alive.

In another major incident, the collapse of a chimney at the Nippon Paper Industries plant in Yatsushiro claimed the lives of nine workers, officials said.

Thousands Displaced

The disaster has also disrupted essential services across the region. More than 3,500 households remain without electricity, while over 9,000 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters.

With the region experiencing intense summer heat, authorities are arranging additional power supply to operate air-conditioning systems at evacuation centres and ensure the safety and comfort of displaced residents.

The earthquake has caused extensive damage across Kumamoto and other parts of Kyushu. Rescue teams continue to clear debris and search for missing persons, while government agencies assess the full extent of the destruction and coordinate relief efforts.

Torrential rainfall has triggered flash floods and landslides in Tizit of Mon district, Nagaland, severely disrupting normal life and prompting a large-scale rescue operation.

Following continuous rainfall, flash floods struck the area on Saturday morning, inundating several residential localities and leaving many families stranded. Water entered hundreds of homes, while floodwaters partially submerged the Mon–Tizit Highway (NH-712), cutting off road connectivity and affecting transportation.

The flooding has severely impacted healthcare services and industrial activities in the region, with rising water levels trapping several people in low-lying areas.

Landslide Feared to Have Claimed Eight Lives

Authorities also reported a major landslide along the Longlam–Oting road, further disrupting connectivity to the affected region.

According to preliminary reports, up to eight people are feared dead, although four bodies have been recovered so far. Search and rescue operations are continuing, and officials are yet to confirm the final casualty figure.

Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Assam Rifles, and Nagaland Police have been deployed to carry out rescue and relief operations. Officials said strong water currents and difficult terrain have made the operation challenging.

Massive Rescue Effort Launched

The district administration has established a coordinated command post at the ADC office to oversee rescue and relief efforts.

Police personnel, officials from various government departments, Community First Responders, and civil society organisations have joined the ongoing operation to evacuate stranded residents and provide emergency assistance.

According to initial estimates, around 500 houses have been affected by the floods and landslides.

Authorities Issue Safety Advisory

The district administration said the situation is being closely monitored and urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and cooperate with rescue teams.

With rainfall continuing and weather conditions remaining uncertain, authorities have advised people to stay away from landslide-prone slopes, flooded roads, and other high-risk areas until conditions improve.