Over 9,000 Displaced Following Deadly Japan Earthquake

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Tokyo: More than 9,000 people are spending their second night in evacuation centres across Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture after a massive earthquake destroyed portions of the country's southwest, and rescue crews are still looking for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Authorities cautioned that regular aftershocks and the potential of landslides remained high, prompting many inhabitants to evacuate their damaged homes.

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck on Tuesday, killing at least 13 and wounding scores. One of the worst-hit areas was the Aeon retail mall, where a suspected gas explosion caused a partial collapse. Rescue teams have recovered many persons from the rubble, but 20 to 30 workers are still missing.

Over 4,500 Self-defence Force members have joined emergency efforts throughout the disaster zone. The quake damaged roads, bridges, and train lines, disrupted electricity supplies to tens of thousands of homes, and forced major industries, including Sony, Honda, and TSMC, to halt production. Hospitals, schools, and public buildings were also damaged, and authorities are still assessing the entire extent of the catastrophe.

Officials have warned locals to remain vigilant, as more aftershocks are predicted in the following days. With temperatures approaching 35°C, emergency workers are rushing to safeguard evacuees from heat-related ailments while restoring key services and bringing food, water, and medical supplies to affected towns.