Death toll in Japan earthquake rises to 17 as aftershock and heat complicate rescue efforts

An expert on earthquake and tsunami countermeasures from the Japan Meteorological Agency holds a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2025, following a 8.7 magnitude quake in the sea off eastern Russia.

The magnitude-7.1 quake struck Kumamoto Prefecture at 4:27 pm local time Tuesday (1927 GMT) at a depth of about 10 kilometers, Xinhua News Agency citing Japan Meteorological Agency reported.

Tuesday’s powerful earthquake in Japan caused widespread destruction, with buildings collapsing and transport disrupted.

The Associated Press reported that the death toll has risen to at least 18.