BBC Breakfast was interrupted as presenter Jon Kay reported on a devastating earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan, confirming at least 13 fatalities. The magnitude 6.8 tremor struck inland on Kyushu island on Tuesday, July 28, at around 4:30 p.m. local time, causing power cuts and building damage.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Jon Kay stated: "The country's prime minister said rescuers are now in a race against time." BBC correspondent Nick Johnson added: "As morning breaks over Kumamoto, the search for survivors among the devastation continues." Several people were trapped inside Aeon shopping mall in Kumamoto after part of the structure collapsed in an explosion, possibly due to a gas leak.
Witness Account
Sam Butcher, a UK teacher living near the shopping centre, said: "It's a very popular spot. Lots of students would go there, teachers as well. Everyone's probably been there at some point or another." He added: "It was very busy all day. The atmosphere here is very quiet. The streets are very quiet today, not a lot of people are out."
Widespread Impact
Nick Johnson reported: "Tens of thousands of homes are still without power and rescue teams spend the morning sifting through the ruins of this nearby estate. A number of people are also unaccounted for at a paper factory after the chimney collapsed on top of the building." He noted that Japan is earthquake-prone and many buildings are designed to withstand tremors, but this area's last significant quake was a decade ago, which could be a sign of more to come.
Possibility of Further Quakes
Dr Ekbal Hussain from the British Geological Survey said they are not dismissing a larger earthquake, but added: "In general, we do expect smaller aftershocks to continue for at least the next few days, if not weeks." Nick Johnson added: "As Japan waits for news of more survivors, the country also braces itself for the possibility of more quakes in the days ahead."
Police Warning
Police have issued a warning that "a considerable number of fatalities" are feared at Aeon Mall shopping centre, though the precise death toll has not been confirmed. The earthquake also ignited several fires, halted rail services across Kyushu, and grounded flights at Kumamoto Airport while runway checks were conducted.
