Earthquake in Japan: Relief and rescue operations continue amidst heat and water shortages following massive earthquake in Kumamoto.
Relief and rescue operations are underway in Japan's Kumamoto region following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck on Tuesday. Residents are also grappling with intense heat and disruptions to the water supply.
Officials stated that the search and rescue operation at a severely damaged mall in Kashima town concluded on Saturday. Seven people died and five were injured in an explosion that occurred after the earthquake.
Police say they have thoroughly searched the site multiple times and have found no trace of any missing persons.
Officials have confirmed 36 deaths, though they are uncertain whether two of these fatalities are directly linked to the earthquake.
They also report that over 3,400 homes have been damaged and approximately 9,000 people have been evacuated to safety.
More than 69,000 homes and businesses in the Kumamoto area were left without running water after the earthquake damaged the pipeline connecting the dam to the water treatment plant.
Efforts are also underway to restore earthquake-affected medical facilities. A hospital in Yatsushiro city resumed dialysis treatments after receiving water supply from the Self-Defense Forces.
Dialysis typically requires large amounts of water; however, due to the shortage, the hospital is reducing both water usage and treatment duration.
"Dialysis is a procedure that performs the function of the kidneys around the clock. If patients do not receive this treatment for an extended period, their lives could be at risk," a doctor said. "I am relieved that we have been able to resume the service."
Temperatures in parts of the Kumamoto region have risen above 37 degrees Celsius. Officials stated that 30 people were taken to the hospital by ambulance on Saturday with symptoms of heatstroke.
People should take every possible precaution to avoid heatstroke.