More than 100 aftershocks hit Japan after deadly quake that killed 13

What the report says

BBC World News reports that south-western Japan’s Kyushu region has experienced more than 100 aftershocks after a powerful earthquake struck on Tuesday, killing at least 13 people. The Japan Meteorological Agency measured the quake at magnitude 7.1, while the US Geological Survey later assessed it at 6.8; such figures can change as more data is reviewed. The shallow epicentre was reported about 20km south of Kumamoto city, at a depth of roughly 10km.

Officials warned residents to remain vigilant, with NHK citing the JMA as saying strong quakes with a maximum seismic intensity of 7 could occur over the coming week, particularly in the next two to three days. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said rescue operations were urgent, as teams searched debris at sites including a paper factory in Yatsushiro City and Aeon Mall in Kashima town. More than 4,600 personnel have been deployed, according to Takaichi.

At the mall, an explosion occurred after the quake, and Aeon Mall president Akio Yoshida said three people were killed there and three employees remained missing. BBC, citing NHK, also reported two people at the Yatsushiro factory were found with no signs of life and nine others were unaccounted for. Thousands of residents are staying in evacuation centres, while power outages, suspended train services, damaged roads and fires have added to the disruption.

The response is also being complicated by extreme heat, with temperatures around 35C. Authorities advised rescuers and survivors to guard against heatstroke, and Defence Minister Shinjirō Koizumi said air conditioning units would be flown to Kumamoto for distribution in badly affected areas.