Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on the 29th that 13 people were confirmed dead as of 8:30 a.m. following a magnitude 7.1 strong earthquake that struck near Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, in western Kyushu on the 28th.
Prime Minister Takaichi made the remarks during an emergency press conference held on the morning of the 29th, stating that the government is currently assessing the extent of the damage.
She added that large-scale damage caused by the strong earthquake, including casualties, collapsed buildings, fires, and damaged roads, has been confirmed.
Prime Minister Takaichi expressed her condolences to the deceased and offered her sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured.
She also stated that there are people currently awaiting rescue and that the rescue operations have become a race against time.
She emphasized that the government, centered around local police and fire authorities, will work closely together and exert all efforts to save even one more life.
In addition, noting that widespread power outages and water supply disruptions are occurring in the earthquake-affected areas, she stated that the government will focus all its efforts on restoring infrastructure.
Prime Minister Takaichi added, "Residents in the affected areas, including those working hard on rescue operations, should be careful of heat-related illnesses amid the hot weather," and stated that the government will make every effort to supply daily necessities, emergency generators, and cooling products.
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