The death toll from the powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture has risen to 13, while dozens remain injured amid widespread destruction.
The number of people killed in the 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan has increased to 13, according to Japanese authorities.
Speaking at a press conference, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the updated death toll following the earthquake, which caused significant damage across the prefecture.
The Kumamoto Prefectural Government also reported that 31 people were injured. The earthquake triggered widespread destruction, including fires, collapsed roads and bridges, and damage to public infrastructure.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake occurred at 4:27 p.m. local time on Tuesday near the Uki and Hikawa areas. The quake had a depth of 10 kilometers, increasing its destructive impact.
Kumamoto was previously devastated by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in April 2016, which claimed 277 lives.
Japan remains one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet.
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