Japan earthquake: At least 20 dead after powerful 7.3 quake

Jamie Bullen16 April 2016

At least 20 people have been killed and more than a thousand are injured after a powerful earthquake struck southern Japan.

Rescue efforts are under way to reach those trapped in collapsed buildings after the 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit the Kyushu region at about 1.25am on Saturday.

It comes after a 6.4 earthquake hit the same area on Thursday, in which nine people were also killed.

Local media reported the latest earthquake had resulted in 20 deaths while more than a thousand people are being treated in hospitals.

Powerful: The 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Kyushu region on Saturday
Reuters

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said nearly 80 people were believed trapped or buried in rubble.

He said: “We are making every effort to respond."

Casualties: At least 20 have been killed and more than a thousand are injured according to media reports
Reuters

Mr Suga added around 170,000 homes were without power and 385,000 without water.

The Japanese Government has deployed up to 20,000 troops to help police and fire crews as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe described the situation as a “race against time” to prevent further loss of life.

Damage: Firefighters assess the destruction after buildings collapsed and gaping holes opened up
Reuters

There are fears heavy rain forecasted could further weaken buildings and set off mudslides.

Television footage showed fires, power outages, collapsed buildings and gaping holes in the earth to outline the scale of destruction.

Shelter: Frightened residents gather in Shirakawa park in Kumamoto after homes were evacuated
Reuters

A 400-year-old castle in the centre of Kumamoto was left badly damaged by the quake.

Frightened people were seen wrapped in blankets outside their homes as others camped in rice fields surrounding the main towns.

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