Japan earthquake death toll rises to 30

The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Japan's southern Kyushu Island has risen to 30, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors beneath collapsed buildings while authorities battle soaring temperatures that are hampering relief operations.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanaye Takaichi confirmed the updated casualty figure during a meeting of the country's Emergency Disaster Management Headquarters on Thursday (July 30).

The 7.1-magnitude earthquake, which struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, roads and power infrastructure across the region.

One of the hardest-hit locations was the Aeon Shopping Mall in Kashima City, where part of the second floor collapsed, killing several people.

About an hour after the collapse, a powerful explosion ripped through the building, further complicating rescue operations.

The mall's president said the blast was likely caused by a gas leak, although investigators have yet to determine the exact cause.

Thousands of emergency responders remain at the site, clearing debris and searching for people believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

The shopping complex had only reopened last month following extensive renovations after sustaining damage in the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, which claimed 278 lives.

Authorities say the disaster response is now being complicated by an intense heatwave, with temperatures in Kumamoto expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

Officials warn that preventing heatstroke and dehydration among displaced residents and rescue personnel has become a major challenge.

In response, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced the deployment of 300 air-conditioning units, half of which will be installed at evacuation centres to improve conditions for displaced families.

Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) initially estimated the earthquake's magnitude at 7.1, while the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) later revised it to 6.8. The quake originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, intensifying its impact.

Local authorities said more than 100 aftershocks have been recorded since Tuesday, prompting many residents to spend the night inside their vehicles instead of returning to damaged homes.

More than 30,000 households remain without electricity, while search-and-rescue teams, supported by security forces, continue round-the-clock operations to locate those still missing.