Death toll from Japan earthquake rises to 34

TIRED. Firefighters take a break outside Nippon Paper Industries’ Yatsushiro mill, as search and rescue operations continue in the aftermath of an earthquake, in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, July 30, 2026. via REUTERS Nearly half of those killed were caught up in two major incidents: Nippon Paper Industries' paper mill, which suffered major structural damage, and Aeon's shopping mall, where a possible gas explosion occurred KUMAMOTO, Japan – The death toll from a powerful earthquake that hit southwestern Japan earlier this week rose to 34 on Friday, July 31, from 25 previously, the Kumamoto prefecture government said. A further six people have been seriously injured by the earthquake that struck late on Tuesday, July 28, leading to buildings collapsing, roads rupturing and supply chains getting snarled. Nearly half of those killed were caught up in two major incidents: Nippon Paper Industries’ paper mill, which suffered major structural damage, and Aeon’s shopping mall, where a possible gas explosion occurred. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading