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.