Rescue Efforts Continue in Kumamoto as 72-Hour Mark Nears

Jul 31, 2026 | News On Japan

Kumamoto - Rescue operations continued across Kumamoto Prefecture as the critical 72-hour period approached following the July 28 earthquake that registered the maximum seismic intensity of 7, with authorities confirming 34 deaths by July 30.

At Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima, where an explosion occurred after the earthquake, emergency crews continued searching the heavily damaged building. Seven people had been confirmed dead at the site by July 30.

Dashcam footage from a vehicle parked outside the mall captured the moment of the explosion. The video showed part of the second-floor exterior wall being blown away with a thunderous blast as white smoke spread across the surrounding area.

Debris could also be seen striking a truck traveling on a road several dozen meters from the building.

Inside the mall, large sections of the ceiling had collapsed from the force of the explosion.

A restricted zone near the site was temporarily lifted on July 30 as search teams dispatched from other municipalities entered the building to determine whether anyone remained trapped inside.

Police said there was still no estimate for when the search would be completed.

Rescue work was also carried out at Nippon Paper Industries' Yatsushiro mill, where a chimney broke during the earthquake and 11 employees were trapped inside the facility.

The operation to recover all 11 workers was completed on July 30. According to the prefectural government and fire authorities, nine of the employees were confirmed dead, including the last man brought out of the factory.

Kumamoto Prefecture said a total of 34 people had been confirmed dead as a result of the earthquake by July 30.

Rescuers continued working at damaged buildings and other sites across the prefecture as the disaster approached the 72-hour point, after which the survival rate of people trapped under debris is generally considered to fall sharply.

Source: TBS

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