Death Toll Reaches 30 in Kumamoto Earthquakes, 5.8 Magnitude Aftershock Hits

[Anchor]

The death toll from the powerful earthquakes in Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan, has risen to 30. With over 100 aftershocks continuing, rescue operations are facing difficulties, and a strong 5.8-magnitude aftershock struck last night (the 29th).

Reporter Kim Young-a has the details.

[Reporter]

On the third day since the earthquakes, rescue operations are underway in Kumamoto Prefecture to search for missing and trapped people.

Search efforts are particularly focused on the Nippon Paper Industries plant, where a large chimney collapsed, causing the highest number of casualties.

So far, 8 deaths have been confirmed at this plant alone.

Three additional deaths were confirmed at the AEON Mall, where a major explosion had occurred.

The Japanese government announced that as of 12:30 p.m. today, the death toll from the Kumamoto earthquakes has reached 30.

However, it added that this figure includes cases whose direct link to the disaster is currently being investigated.

[Kihara Minoru / Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary: It is a race against time. Today as well, the police, fire authorities, and Self-Defense Forces will concentrate all efforts on rescue and search operations.]

Although authorities are making all-out efforts, rescue operations are facing difficulties due to ongoing aftershocks.

About 100 aftershocks have occurred in the Kumamoto region to date, and last night, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast near Kumamoto Prefecture.

Fearing aftershocks and additional collapses, a significant number of residents have left their buildings and are living on streets or in cars.

The Japanese government is operating evacuation centers in various places, but they are experiencing major congestion as evacuees suddenly flock in.

Some evacuation centers lack air conditioning or have broken units, leaving people vulnerable to scorching heat.

With a heatstroke warning issued for Kumamoto Prefecture, temperatures are forecast to soar up to 40°C (104°F) early next week.

The Japanese government is on high alert to prevent heat-related damage among evacuees, especially the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.

(Video Editing: Kim Byung-jik)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.