WorldTo be verifiedUpdated Jul 29, 11:16 UTC

Hospitals strained after deadly earthquake in southern Japan

Version 2 · 2 sources · 1 min read · Human editorial review

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Key points

  • The magnitude 7.1 earthquake killed at least 13 people and caused extensive damage across southern Japan.
  • A Uki hospital lost electricity and stopped operating; another halted new admissions after treating 86 injured people.
  • Three of eight people rescued from the damaged Aeon mall later died, while four employees remained unaccounted for.
  • Officials were examining a possible gas explosion at the mall, but spokesperson Minoru Kihara said the cause was unresolved.
  • Around 260,000 people in Kumamoto prefecture were advised to seek shelter, while more than 36,000 homes lacked power.

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Authorities reported that many people were feared trapped in a shopping mall after the earthquake.

Latest development

Hospitals near the epicenter faced severe pressure from electricity failures and incoming casualties; one stopped operating and another suspended new admissions.

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