Tokyo, July 29: The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck parts of Japan has risen to 13, as emergency crews continued intensive search-and-rescue operations, pulling survivors from the rubble of a collapsed shopping mall and other damaged buildings.
Rescue teams, supported by firefighters, police, and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, worked through the night using heavy machinery, sniffer dogs, and thermal imaging equipment to locate people trapped beneath debris. Several survivors were rescued from the partially collapsed mall, where emergency workers raced against time to reach those believed to be still trapped.
Authorities said dozens of people sustained injuries, with many transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials warned that casualty figures could rise as rescue efforts continue in the hardest-hit areas.
The earthquake caused widespread damage to buildings, roads, and utility networks, disrupting electricity, water supplies, and public transportation. Engineers have begun assessing the structural integrity of affected buildings, while evacuation centers have been opened for residents forced from their homes.
Prime Minister and disaster management officials pledged full government support for rescue and recovery operations, urging citizens to remain alert for possible aftershocks. Emergency response agencies have also appealed to residents to avoid damaged structures until safety inspections are completed.
Japan, one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, maintains some of the strictest building standards and disaster preparedness systems. Nevertheless, powerful earthquakes continue to pose significant risks, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
Authorities said rescue operations would continue around the clock as emergency personnel search for missing individuals and work to restore essential services across the affected region.
