The death toll from a powerful earthquake in southwestern Japan has risen to 34, up from 25, authorities confirmed on Friday. The Kumamoto prefecture government also reported that six more people were seriously injured, bringing the total number of casualties to 40.

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck on Tuesday near the city of Uki, causing widespread disruption. Power outages affected approximately 40,000 homes, rail services were halted, and tsunami warnings were issued for parts of Kyushu island, prompting residents to evacuate to higher ground.

Nearly half of the deaths are linked to two tragic incidents: structural damage at a Nippon Paper Industries paper mill, where several workers were killed, and a possible gas explosion at an Aeon store, which collapsed and caught fire. Rescue teams have been working around the clock to search for survivors.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has urged residents to remain vigilant for further strong aftershocks, warning that the region could experience additional seismic activity. Communities are also facing water shortages amid ongoing summer heat, complicating relief efforts and raising concerns about dehydration and hygiene.

Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries, with a long history of devastating tremors. A decade ago, a major quake in Kumamoto killed 275 people, and this latest disaster serves as a grim reminder of the nation's vulnerability to natural disasters.

Source: www.aljazeera.com