More than 100 aftershocks follow powerful earthquake in Japan's Kyushu region; death toll rises to 13

Rescue crews in Japan's Kyushu region continued search operations Wednesday after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake triggered more than 100 aftershocks, leaving at least 13 people dead, according to Japanese authorities.

The hardest-hit areas include Kumamoto Prefecture, where emergency crews are searching through the rubble of a paper factory and a shopping mall despite high temperatures. Authorities said the damage worsened after an explosion occurred at the shopping mall about an hour after the initial earthquake.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said rescue efforts remain focused on reaching people believed to be trapped beneath collapsed structures. Thousands of residents have been relocated to emergency shelters, while power outages continue to affect several communities.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned that additional strong aftershocks remain possible over the coming days and urged residents to stay alert and follow emergency guidance.

Aeon Mall President Akio Yoshida confirmed that three people were killed in the explosion at the shopping centre. Three mall employees remain missing, while four people were taken to hospital from among the approximately 2,700 employees working at the facility.