Japan rescue operation continues as earthquake death toll reaches 18

Rescue teams continued searching for survivors in southern Japan today (29 July) after the death toll from the magnitude-6.8 earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture rose to at least 18, with a further 62 people injured and an unknown number still trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

The victims included a Vietnamese technical intern who was killed when a crane collapsed at the factory where he worked, while several other Vietnamese nationals were among those evacuated or injured.

More than 4,500 soldiers have been deployed to support emergency operations, with search efforts focused on the heavily damaged Aeon Mall in Kashima and the Nippon Paper Industries factory in Yatsushiro, where rescue teams are continuing to search for missing workers.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the operation as a “race against time” as authorities work to reach those still trapped beneath the rubble.

The earthquake has also left tens of thousands of households without essential services. Around 36,000 properties remain without electricity, while water supplies have been disrupted for thousands more, prompting authorities to distribute emergency supplies and air conditioning units to evacuation centres.

Authorities have warned that extreme heat expected across the region in the coming days could complicate recovery efforts and place additional pressure on evacuation centres supporting displaced residents.

The earthquake has continued to disrupt transport across parts of Kyushu. A bridge in Yatsushiro partially collapsed into the river below, sections of the Minamikyushu Expressway were damaged, and some rail services remain suspended while inspections continue.

Kumamoto Airport has also experienced flight cancellations as recovery efforts continue, while authorities have urged residents and visitors to remain alert for aftershocks. The incident has entered a longer-term recovery phase.

While the immediate emergency response continues, damaged transport infrastructure and ongoing rescue operations are likely to prolong travel disruption and increase demand for itinerary changes, accommodation assistance, and traveller communications in the affected region.