The Japanese government announced that the number of deaths related to the strong earthquake that struck Kumamoto has reached 28 as authorities investigate the casualties.

Government Spokesperson and Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated this during a press conference held on the morning of the 30th, citing the death toll recorded as of 6:30 AM.

However, the Kumamoto prefectural government's previous tally showed 17 deaths, showing a discrepancy with the central government's figure.

Addressing this, Chief Secretary Kihara explained, "The government promptly announces the death counts confirmed by police and firefighters, while the prefecture compiles and announces information reported by basic local municipalities, which causes the difference."

Kihara stated, "As 40 hours have passed since the earthquake occurred, rescuing victims is a race against time," adding that they will do their utmost in rescue operations.

According to the Kumamoto prefectural tally, 8 deaths were confirmed at the Nippon Paper Industries Yatsushiro Mill, and 5 deaths at the AEON Mall Kumamoto, a large shopping center where an explosion occurred.

Additionally, 3 deaths were reported in Yatsushiro and 1 in Kosa, with 6 people found in a state of cardiac arrest.

Kyodo News reported that the Japanese government is believed to have compiled information including 2 deaths in Uki before they were officially verified by local governments.

As of the morning of the 30th, 10,000 residents continued to evacuate at around 400 shelters in Kumamoto Prefecture.

In areas such as Uki, which recorded the maximum level 7 on the Japan Meteorological Agency's seismic intensity scale, 75,000 households are still without water supply.

The number of blackout households stands at 23,000, causing difficulties in operating air conditioners and refrigerators amid a heatwave.

Meanwhile, regarding the economic impact of the Kumamoto earthquake, Chief Secretary Kihara said, "Kyushu has many infrastructure facilities such as ports, as well as major semiconductor, electronic component, and automobile-related companies, so we are checking the damage situation."

He explained that some emergency repairs have been completed at major ports such as Yatsushiro Port and Kumamoto Port, and Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels are supplying water and transporting relief supplies.
(Photo: Yonhap News)