BBC News Indonesia
·Jul 2026
Japan earthquake: 30 people dead and thousands evacuated
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture killed 30 people by 30 July and forced thousands of residents into evacuation shelters. Rescue teams continued searching for survivors, including people believed trapped in the damaged Aeon Mall in Kashima, while more than 60 aftershocks, widespread power and water outages, damaged medical facilities, collapsed structures, fires and disrupted rail services complicated the response. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi deployed 4,600 personnel, and authorities urged residents to follow evacuation guidance and remain alert for further tremors. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported no damage or safety issues at the nearby Sendai nuclear power plant.