'I thought I would die': Survivors describe the shock and horror of powerful Japan earthquake

What the report says

BBC World News reports that rescue operations are continuing in Japan’s southwestern Kumamoto prefecture after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck late on Tuesday, killing at least 13 people. The BBC said three of the deaths were linked to the Aeon shopping mall in Kumamoto city, where dozens of people were still believed to be trapped. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said emergency crews were working against time, with 4,600 personnel deployed to support search, recovery and damage assessment.

Survivors described severe shaking and continuing aftershocks. In Yatsushiro, diner co-owner Hiroko Ogata told the BBC she sheltered under a table as the building moved violently and said the tremor felt stronger than past earthquakes she had experienced. Near the damaged mall, a cake shop worker identified by the BBC as Yui said repeated jolts left her unable to process what was happening. Other residents reported damaged roads, broken household items, shortages in shops and preparations for evacuation.

The quake has disrupted essential services across Kumamoto city, with the BBC reporting tens of thousands affected by power and water outages and at least 45 medical facilities damaged. Historic sites were also hit, including Kumamoto Castle, where exterior walls fell, and Yatsushiro Shrine, where the worship hall collapsed.

The region is earthquake-prone and lies on an active fault system. BBC noted that Kumamoto suffered a deadly sequence of earthquakes in 2016, when 277 people died and 2,800 were injured. Japan Meteorological Agency expert Shinji Kiyomoto urged residents to stay alert for further quakes, as aftershocks continued to complicate cleanup and reopening efforts for local businesses.