Death toll from earthquake in Japan rises to 13

The number of people who lost their lives in the 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan has risen to 13. The Kumamoto Prefectural Government announced that 31 people were injured in the quake.

According to state broadcaster NHK, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared the latest information regarding the casualties during a press conference on the earthquake. It was reported that search and rescue operations, as well as damage assessment efforts, are continuing in the region.

The tremor caused fires, the collapse of some roads and bridges, and widespread damage across the prefecture. Authorities announced that teams are continuing their work in the field to determine the extent of the damage to transportation infrastructure and buildings.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake was recorded yesterday at 16:27 local time in the Uki and Hikawa regions of Kumamoto. The agency stated that the 7.1-magnitude tremor occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Kumamoto has previously made headlines due to devastating earthquakes. In April 2016, a 7-magnitude earthquake in the prefecture resulted in the deaths of 277 people.

Japan, considered one of the countries with the highest earthquake risk in the world, is located on the "Pacific Ring of Fire," which consists of volcanoes and ocean trenches.

News Source: 12punto