The US Geological Survey recorded the first earthquake near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province at a depth of about 12.6 kilometres. The second, measuring magnitude 6.6, struck near Río Grande later the same day.

More than 45 aftershocks were reported as shaking affected central Panama and other areas. The tremors damaged buildings and roads, disrupted electricity in several provinces and prompted authorities to inspect public infrastructure.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said no deaths had been documented by Friday evening. Reports of injuries and structural damage emerged as assessments continued, so the casualty situation remained subject to official updates.

Buildings and roads damaged

Damage was reported in Herrera, Veraguas, Los Santos and other parts of central Panama. Some structures partially collapsed, while cracks appeared in roads and buildings. Historic sites, including the Church of San Atanasio, were also reported damaged.

Authorities began inspections to determine the extent of the damage and whether affected structures could be safely occupied. Visible cracks or partial collapses do not automatically establish that a building is unsafe; those decisions require assessment by qualified officials or engineers.

The earthquakes prompted people to leave buildings and seek safer locations. Officials continued evaluating affected areas as aftershocks followed the main tremors.

The number of aftershocks alone does not establish that a larger earthquake is imminent. Residents should follow official emergency instructions and avoid damaged buildings until authorities declare them safe.

Airport temporarily suspends operations

Tocumen International Airport, Panama’s main international aviation hub, temporarily suspended operations during the emergency before reopening. The disruption prompted concerns about passenger movements and flight schedules while authorities assessed conditions.

The Panama Canal Authority said canal operations continued normally. The canal, a critical route for international shipping, remained operational while safety checks focused on personnel, vessels and facilities.

The distinction is important: the earthquake caused temporary disruption at the airport, but available information did not indicate that the Panama Canal had been closed.

Passengers were advised to check directly with airlines for current schedules and possible changes, as transport conditions can change during post-earthquake inspections.

Tsunami alerts lifted

The magnitude 7.7 earthquake triggered tsunami warnings and alerts for parts of the Pacific coast, including areas in Central and South America. Authorities subsequently lifted the warnings after assessments found that the threat no longer warranted them.

The US tsunami warning system later reported that no tsunami warning, advisory, watch or threat remained in effect for the event.

The lifting of the alerts ended the immediate tsunami warning, but it did not remove the need for continued monitoring of earthquake-related damage and aftershocks.

Emergency response continues

The earthquakes affected a country that serves as a major international transport and logistics centre. The Panama Canal remained open, but the damage to buildings, roads and electricity infrastructure highlighted the broader emergency response required beyond the immediate earthquake zone.

Authorities continued to assess damaged structures and public infrastructure. The final impact would depend on the results of inspections, reports from affected communities and any additional damage caused by subsequent shaking.

The US Geological Survey’s earthquake records provide the principal measurements for the two major tremors. Its reviewed record places the first earthquake at magnitude 7.7 and the second at magnitude 6.6. Preliminary estimates and reports can change as seismic data are reviewed, so the latest official measurements should be used.

For residents, the immediate priorities are to follow civil-protection instructions, stay away from damaged structures and monitor official updates. For travellers, airport reopening should not be taken as confirmation that every flight is operating normally.

The emergency response now centres on confirming the full extent of the damage, checking infrastructure and maintaining public safety while aftershocks continue.

Reporting Credit: U.S. Geological Survey; Panama National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC); Panama Canal Authority; Tocumen International Airport.

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Major Developments We’re Following

• A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near San José del Palmar, Chocó, at 07:34 local time on August 10.
• Colombia’s Geological Service identified the earthquake as the strongest recorded in the country during the 21st century.
• National authorities activated emergency-response mechanisms and deployed urban search-and-rescue teams from Bogotá, Envigado, Yopal and Medellín.
• Damage was reported across Chocó, Caldas, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda and Quindío, with authorities conducting assessments in affected communities.
• Buildings collapsed in cities including Cali and Pereira, while damage was also reported in Manizales and Quibdó.
• By the end of the initial 12-hour window, rescue workers were continuing searches for people trapped beneath rubble.

What We Know

• Magnitude: 7.4
• Epicenter: San José del Palmar, Chocó
• Depth: 103 km according to Colombia’s Geological Service; the U.S. Geological Survey reported 107 km.
• Time: 07:34 local time / 12:34 UTC on August 10.
• The Colombian Geological Service said more than 12,000 people from about 900 population centers reported feeling the earthquake.
• The agency reported 18 aftershocks by noon local time, ranging from magnitude 1.4 to 4.8.
• The national government reported possible impacts in nine municipalities in Chocó, eight in Caldas, two in Valle del Cauca and two in Risaralda, as well as several municipalities in Quindío.
• Four urban search-and-rescue groups were activated from Bogotá, Envigado, Yopal and Medellín.
• Colombia’s president declared a national emergency and said the government’s first priority was rescuing people trapped beneath rubble.
• An initial government death toll of 111 was reported during the first day. Later casualty figures increased substantially, so the 111 figure should be treated as the preliminary national figure for this opening window rather than a final toll.

What We Don’t Know

• The full extent of damage across Chocó remains unclear.
• The final number of people killed or injured during the first 12 hours had not been established.
• The number of people trapped beneath collapsed structures remained uncertain.
• The total number of displaced residents had not been established.
• Assessments of roads, hospitals, airports and other critical infrastructure were still underway.
• Later casualty reports should not be retroactively inserted into this initial 12-hour chronology.

Public Safety Information

The Colombian Geological Service urged residents to rely on official information and noted that earthquake aftershocks can continue for days, weeks or longer. The agency also emphasized that earthquakes and their aftershocks cannot currently be predicted with a scientifically proven method.

Residents should follow instructions issued by Colombian emergency authorities and avoid damaged structures or areas where emergency operations are underway.

Live Updates

12:34 UTC — Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Western Colombia

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia at 07:34 local time, with the epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó. Colombia’s Geological Service later reported the depth at 103 kilometers.

The U.S. Geological Survey independently reported a magnitude of 7.4 and a depth of 107 kilometers. The difference in depth reflects the measurements reported by the respective agencies.

13:00 UTC — Earthquake Felt Across Multiple Regions

Reports of the earthquake spread across western and central Colombia after the main shock.

The Colombian Geological Service said more than 12,000 people from approximately 900 population centers had reported feeling the earthquake. Reports also indicated that shaking was felt in Panama and Venezuela.

14:00 UTC — Geological Service Reports Aftershocks

Colombia’s Geological Service reported 18 aftershocks by noon local time, with magnitudes ranging from 1.4 to 4.8.

The agency said the aftershocks were located around San José del Palmar and Sipí in Chocó and warned that additional aftershocks could occur.

15:00 UTC — Emergency Assessment Expands Across Five Departments

Colombia’s national disaster-management authority said preliminary reports indicated possible impacts in nine municipalities in Chocó, eight in Caldas, two in Valle del Cauca and two in Risaralda, along with several municipalities in Quindío.

Authorities were still verifying damage to communities, homes and infrastructure, meaning the assessment remained preliminary.

16:13 UTC — National Search-and-Rescue Response Activated

The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management said the government had activated four urban search-and-rescue groups from Bogotá, Envigado, Yopal and Medellín.

Bogotá also offered specialized rescue equipment, while Antioquia made aircraft available to support operations if required. The national crisis room remained active as information was consolidated from affected territories.

17:00 UTC — Damage Reported in Major Western Cities

Reports from affected cities showed significant structural damage in Cali, Pereira and Manizales.

Reuters reported that a four-story building collapsed in Pereira and that part of Manizales’ landmark neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed. Emergency teams were searching damaged structures for survivors.

18:00 UTC — Airports Suspended Operations for Inspections

Colombia’s civil aviation authorities suspended operations at several regional airports, including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura, while engineers assessed infrastructure.

The closures were part of safety inspections following the earthquake and should not be interpreted as permanent airport closures.

19:00 UTC — Government Declares National Emergency

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency as the government expanded its response.

The president said the immediate priority was rescuing people trapped beneath rubble and providing assistance to affected communities.

20:00 UTC — Rescue Operations Continue in Cali and Pereira

Rescue workers and volunteers continued searching collapsed buildings in Cali and Pereira.

Reuters reported that firefighters in Cali had rescued two adult women and two children from a collapsed building, while other rescuers continued searching for additional survivors.

21:00 UTC — Local Authorities Introduce Security Measures

Authorities in Cali, Armenia and Manizales announced curfews as emergency operations continued.

Cali’s mayor said additional police and military personnel were being deployed amid concerns about looting, while the national government announced plans to send additional security personnel to the city.

22:00 UTC — Initial National Death Toll Reaches 111

President de la Espriella reported an initial national death toll of 111 as authorities continued assessing the disaster.

The government figure was preliminary. Reuters reported that some local media were citing a higher national figure, but the origin of that higher number was unclear at the time. JournosNews therefore retains 111 as the attributed national figure for this stage rather than combining conflicting reports.

23:00 UTC — Rescue Teams Work Into the Night

As darkness fell, rescue workers and volunteers continued searching damaged structures with headlamps and other equipment.

Reuters reported that teams were working through rubble in Cali and other affected areas, while emergency operations continued in Pereira and elsewhere.

00:34 UTC — First 12 Hours: Search-and-Rescue Operations Continue

Twelve hours after the earthquake, emergency teams remained engaged in search-and-rescue operations across western Colombia.

Authorities were continuing to consolidate reports from affected municipalities while assessing casualties, structural damage and infrastructure disruptions. The Colombian Geological Service continued monitoring seismic activity and aftershocks.

The initial national death toll of 111 remained the appropriate figure for this opening 12-hour chronology because it was the figure publicly announced by the national government during the period. Subsequent increases in the death toll belong to later updates and should not be backdated into this section.

Emergency Response

Colombia’s national disaster-management system remained active through a national crisis room coordinated by the UNGRD.

Urban search-and-rescue teams from Bogotá, Envigado, Yopal and Medellín were activated, while Bogotá offered specialized rescue equipment and Antioquia offered aircraft support. Local authorities continued verifying damage and determining priority needs.

The Colombian Red Cross also activated its response, with volunteers involved in search-and-rescue and damage-assessment activities.

Background

The Colombian Geological Service said the magnitude 7.4 earthquake was the strongest earthquake recorded in Colombia during the 21st century.

The agency said the earthquake occurred in a region where the Nazca Plate subducts beneath the South American Plate, a process associated with seismic activity.

The SGC also explicitly said the earthquake was not related to activity at the Puracé volcano, addressing claims circulating on social media.

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The earthquake struck near San José del Palmar in Chocó Department. It was felt across much of Colombia and in neighboring countries. Several aftershocks have also been recorded.

The Colombian Red Cross has activated its National Crisis Room. Search-and-rescue teams from Antioquia, Quindío and Caldas are supporting the response.

Thirty responders from Antioquia have been deployed to Chocó, one of the areas most affected by the earthquake.

Search and rescue operations continue

Saving lives remains the immediate priority, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, or IFRC.

Homes, schools, health facilities, roads and bridges have been damaged. Dozens of buildings have also collapsed.

Red Cross teams and authorities are continuing search-and-rescue operations. They are also working to establish the full scale of the damage.

Casualty and damage figures remain preliminary. The numbers may change as teams reach more affected areas and complete their assessments.

Damaged roads complicate emergency access

Access remains difficult in parts of Chocó.

Airport closures and damaged roads are also affecting logistics in several areas. These disruptions could make it harder to move rescue teams and emergency resources to affected communities.

The Red Cross continues to operate in affected areas while authorities assess conditions on the ground.

IFRC prepares wider emergency support

The IFRC has activated its readiness plan for large-scale emergencies.

The organization is assessing how it can support the Colombian Red Cross as teams provide more information from affected areas.

For now, the response remains focused on saving lives, supporting search and rescue, and assessing the needs of communities affected by the earthquake.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), based on its Colombia earthquake response update published Aug. 11, 2026.

IFRC — Colombia earthquake update: Red Cross response ongoing

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President Abelardo de la Espriella called the National Committee for Disaster Management into action. He is coordinating the response with Javier Pava Sánchez, acting director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, or UNGRD.

Pava is leading operations from the National Crisis Room.

Initial reports indicate possible impacts in nine municipalities in Chocó. Authorities also reported possible damage in eight municipalities in Caldas, two in Valle del Cauca and two in Risaralda. Several municipalities in Quindío are also under assessment.

Officials said the full extent of the damage remains unclear.

Search-and-rescue teams deployed

Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara said four Urban Search and Rescue, or USAR, teams have been activated.

The teams come from Bogotá, Envigado, Yopal and Medellín. They will support search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.

Bogotá has also offered machinery and specialized rescue equipment. Meanwhile, Antioquia has offered aircraft to support operations where needed.

Vice President José Manuel Restrepo and Housing Minister Jaime Andrés Beltrán Martínez are also monitoring the response.

They are receiving updates from governors and mayors in affected areas.

National Crisis Room coordinates response

The National Crisis Room remains active under UNGRD coordination.

The center is collecting reports from local authorities. It is also helping direct resources through Colombia’s National Disaster Risk Management System.

Meanwhile, local authorities are checking homes, infrastructure and communities for damage.

These assessments will help officials identify the most urgent needs.

Authorities continue damage assessments

The government said its immediate priority is to determine the scale of the damage.

Officials are also working to address urgent needs and provide support to affected communities.

However, authorities have not yet released a complete assessment of the earthquake’s impact.

The UNGRD continues to coordinate with local and regional authorities. It will provide further official updates as teams complete their field assessments.

For now, the government response remains focused on search and rescue, damage assessment and support for communities affected by the earthquake.

Reporting credit: Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (UNGRD), Colombia.
Source: Official government emergency-response information provided by the UNGRD.

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Major Developments We’re Following

• A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia at about 12:34 UTC on August 10, with the epicenter near San José del Palmar in Chocó.
• Extensive structural damage was reported in Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó and other areas, with rescue teams searching collapsed buildings.
• Colombia’s government declared a national state of emergency and said its priority was rescuing people trapped under rubble.
• Authorities reported a rapidly changing casualty toll as search-and-rescue teams continued working through damaged structures.
• Airports in several affected areas were closed or disrupted while authorities conducted safety assessments.
• Curfews and additional security deployments were announced in some cities following reports of possible looting concerns.

What We Know

• Magnitude: 7.4
• Time: Approximately 12:34 UTC on August 10, 2026.
• Location: Near San José del Palmar, Chocó, western Colombia.
• Depth: About 107 kilometers, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
• The Colombian Geological Service described the earthquake as the strongest recorded in Colombia during the 21st century.
• The earthquake was felt across a large part of Colombia and in neighboring countries.
• Buildings collapsed or sustained serious structural damage in several cities.
• Rescue teams involving firefighters, police, military personnel and volunteers were deployed.
• By the evening of August 10, President Abelardo de la Espriella had announced a national state of emergency and cited a death toll of 111 people. Reuters noted that other reports had cited 132 deaths, but the origin of that higher figure was unclear at the time.

What We Don’t Know

• The full extent of structural damage remains unclear.
• The number of people still trapped beneath collapsed buildings has not been conclusively established.
• Assessments in remote parts of Chocó remain difficult.
• Casualty figures continue to change as rescuers reach damaged areas.
• The complete number of people displaced by the earthquake has not yet been established.
• The full extent of damage to hospitals, roads, airports and other critical infrastructure remains under assessment.

Public Safety Information

Authorities and emergency teams have urged residents to follow official instructions and remain clear of damaged structures.

People should rely on emergency guidance issued by Colombian authorities rather than unverified information circulating on social media.

LIVE UPDATES

12:34 UTC — Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Western Colombia

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia at approximately 12:34 UTC on August 10, according to seismic monitoring agencies. The epicenter was near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of about 107 kilometers and was felt across a broad area of Colombia, with shaking also reported in neighboring countries.

13:00–15:00 UTC — Reports of Serious Damage Begin to Emerge

Initial assessments showed significant damage in several western and central Colombian cities, including Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdó.

Emergency authorities began assessing collapsed and damaged structures while rescue personnel were mobilized. Because communications and access were disrupted in some affected areas, the scale of the damage remained preliminary.

15:00 UTC — Rescue Operations Expand

Search-and-rescue teams began working at collapsed structures in the hardest-hit areas.

Police, firefighters, soldiers and civilian volunteers joined efforts to search for people who may have been trapped beneath debris. Authorities warned that assessments remained preliminary as emergency teams reached additional locations.

16:00 UTC — Damage Reported Across Several Cities

The earthquake caused extensive structural damage beyond the immediate epicentral area.

Reports documented collapsed or heavily damaged buildings in Cali and Pereira, while Manizales also reported damage to a historic cathedral. Authorities continued inspections of buildings and critical infrastructure.

17:00 UTC — Government Mobilizes National Emergency Response

President Abelardo de la Espriella announced a national state of emergency as the government mobilized resources for rescue and relief operations.

The president said the immediate priority was reaching people trapped beneath rubble and providing assistance to affected communities.

18:00 UTC — Casualty Assessments Continue

The number of confirmed deaths increased as emergency teams reached more affected areas.

Authorities continued compiling information from individual municipalities and departments, making the national casualty figure subject to revision. JournosNews is treating figures from individual authorities separately rather than combining them without attribution.

19:00 UTC — Rescue Teams Continue Searching Collapsed Buildings

Rescue workers and volunteers continued searching through debris in Cali and Pereira.

In Cali, firefighters reported rescuing people from a collapsed building, while other teams continued working at sites where people were believed to remain trapped.

20:00 UTC — Curfews Announced in Some Affected Cities

Authorities in Cali, Armenia and Manizales announced curfews as part of security measures following the earthquake.

Cali’s mayor said additional police and military personnel were being deployed amid concerns about possible looting. The national government also announced an additional deployment of security personnel to Cali.

21:00 UTC — Airports and Infrastructure Remain Under Assessment

Several airports in affected areas were closed or disrupted while authorities conducted safety inspections.

Emergency officials continued assessing roads, buildings, hospitals and other critical infrastructure damaged by the earthquake.

22:00 UTC — Search Efforts Continue Into the Night

Rescue operations continued after nightfall, with emergency workers using heavy equipment and manual tools to search damaged structures.

In Pereira, rescuers reported attempting to reach people believed to be trapped beneath debris. Similar operations continued in Cali and other affected locations.

23:00 UTC — Authorities Continue Updating Casualty Figures

The national government reported 111 confirmed deaths in its Monday assessment, while additional local reporting produced higher figures whose official basis was not immediately clear.

JournosNews is retaining the government-confirmed figure for this stage of the tracker and will distinguish subsequent official revisions from conflicting preliminary reports.

00:34 UTC — 12 Hours After the Earthquake

Twelve hours after the earthquake struck, search-and-rescue operations remained active across western Colombia.

Emergency teams were continuing to search collapsed buildings, while authorities worked to establish the full extent of casualties and damage. The situation remained fluid, particularly in Chocó and other areas where access and communications were difficult.

At this stage, the 111-death figure announced by the national government remained the appropriate nationally attributed figure for this 12-hour window. Later reports citing higher casualty totals should be treated as subsequent updates rather than retroactively inserted into the opening 12-hour chronology.

Emergency Response

Colombian emergency services, police, military personnel, firefighters and volunteers continued search-and-rescue operations in affected communities.

Rescue teams worked through collapsed buildings and damaged structures while authorities assessed hospitals, transportation infrastructure and other essential services.

Background

The earthquake struck near San José del Palmar in Chocó at an intermediate depth and was felt over a wide area.

The Colombian Geological Service characterized the event as the strongest earthquake recorded in Colombia during the 21st century.

Sources / References

• Colombian Geological Service (Servicio Geológico Colombiano)
• Colombian national emergency-management authorities
• Colombian government / Presidency
• U.S. Geological Survey
• Colombian Red Cross
• Reuters
• Associated Press

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The earthquake affected several cities, including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales, and was felt in neighboring Ecuador and Panama. The U.S. Geological Survey placed the epicenter about 5 kilometers east of San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, roughly 400 kilometers west of Bogotá, at a depth of about 107 kilometers.

The disaster has created a major search-and-rescue and humanitarian challenge, particularly in Chocó, where mountainous terrain, dense jungle and limited transportation infrastructure can make access difficult. Communications outages in parts of the region have also complicated efforts to assess the full extent of the damage.

Rescue operations continue in damaged cities

In Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, residents and rescue workers searched through collapsed structures, moving concrete and debris through lines of volunteers.

The city’s local government said people remained trapped in some of the 380 buildings reported damaged. Families also began registering missing relatives through digital databases, with one database listing more than 1,400 people by Monday afternoon, primarily from Cali and Pereira.

Local authorities reported at least 40 deaths in Risaralda, where Pereira is located, and 27 in Valle del Cauca, where Cali is located, including three children. Nine deaths were reported in Chocó, two in Caldas and one involving a 73-year-old person in Antioquia. The locations of the remaining 32 deaths were not immediately clear.

The continuing search for missing people means the casualty figures could change as emergency crews gain access to damaged buildings and isolated communities.

Remote Chocó region complicates assessment

The earthquake’s epicenter was near San José del Palmar, a community of about 4,800 people in the mountainous Chocó region. The area is among Colombia’s poorer regions and includes communities that can be reached only by boat or aircraft.

Authorities reported injuries and structural damage in Chocó but had limited information about the broader impact. Phone service was unavailable in parts of Quibdó, the regional capital, further restricting communication with affected communities.

San José del Palmar has no airport and sits along a mountain ridge on the highway connecting Cali and Pereira. The geography and limited infrastructure could make it difficult for emergency agencies to reach some communities and establish the full scale of the disaster.

Colombia’s Geological Service said the earthquake was the country’s strongest recorded in the 21st century. The quake was followed by 21 smaller aftershocks, according to the agency.

The epicenter lies within Colombia’s Pacific region, part of the broader Pacific Ring of Fire, where seismic activity is common. Earthquakes above magnitude 6 are comparatively rare in central and western Colombia.

Damage reported across major cities

Cali suffered widespread structural damage as buildings collapsed and residents moved into the streets. Rescue workers continued searching rubble for people who may have been trapped.

Pereira, in Colombia’s coffee-producing region, also reported extensive damage. Local media footage showed parts of the airport ceiling falling as travelers sought shelter, while collapsed stores, homes and residential buildings were reported across the city.

Pereira Mayor Mauricio Salazar told local radio that at least 15 buildings had collapsed and that people were feared trapped inside.

In Manizales, one of the towers of the city’s neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed onto the nave. Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas urged residents to remain outside because of the possibility of additional shaking.

Authorities suspended flights at airports in Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, Buenaventura and Pereira while damage assessments were carried out.

The earthquake was also felt outside Colombia, including in Ecuador and Panama, extending the reach of the seismic event beyond the areas where the most severe damage was reported.

International assistance offered after quake

The earthquake came shortly after de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s president, making the disaster one of the first major tests of his administration’s emergency response.

The president said he had taken personal charge of the government’s response as authorities coordinated search-and-rescue operations, medical assistance, emergency support and recovery funding.

The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency assistance for shelter, food and other earthquake-response needs, according to the U.S. State Department. Governments across Latin America also offered assistance.

The international response could become increasingly important if additional casualties are discovered or if isolated communities remain cut off from government services.

For now, rescue teams are continuing to search damaged structures while authorities assess infrastructure, restore communications and determine the needs of affected communities. The number of missing people and the condition of remote areas remain among the key uncertainties as Colombia’s emergency response continues.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kyushu, Japan’s southern main island, on Tuesday, killing 38 people and injuring 114, according to prefectural authorities. Officials said one person died from apparent heat stroke while sheltering inside a vehicle after the quake, while another death remains under investigation.

Heat and Water Shortages Hamper Recovery

Extreme summer temperatures have added to the challenges facing thousands of displaced residents.

More than 46,000 households remained without running water on Monday, while several communities also reported fuel shortages.

The Japan Meteorological Agency forecast temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), raising concerns about dehydration and heat-related illnesses.

More than 8,500 people continued to stay in evacuation centers, including schools, community halls and gymnasiums. Many of the facilities lack air conditioning. Others have chosen to sleep in parked vehicles or outside damaged homes.

Residents spent the day clearing debris, damaged furniture and household appliances as local authorities organized waste collection. Construction of temporary housing also began in the towns of Uki and Hikawa, while hotels and inns opened additional rooms for evacuees.

Disaster experts have long warned that overcrowded shelters and limited sanitation can increase health risks following major earthquakes.

Prime Minister Promises Additional Support

Prime Minister Takaichi toured the disaster zone by military helicopter before visiting an evacuation center equipped with air conditioning, cardboard beds and privacy partitions.

Images of the visit prompted criticism on social media, with some users arguing that many shelters across Kumamoto lack similar facilities.

During a meeting with the prime minister, Kumamoto Governor Takashi Kimura highlighted the severe heat affecting displaced residents and requested additional government assistance to improve conditions at evacuation centers.

He cited shortages of clean water and medical services as immediate priorities.

Takaichi said the government would review the requests and move quickly to provide additional support where needed.

Shopping Mall Explosion Under Scrutiny

Questions also continued to surround the explosion at a collapsed shopping mall that claimed several lives after the earthquake.

Habita, a retailer operating inside Aeon Mall in Kashima, acknowledged that it had instructed two employees who later died to return to the building and place sales proceeds into a safe if conditions allowed.

Company executives attended the wake of 22-year-old employee Kurumi Otake on Sunday and apologized to her family.

Sales manager Goji Yuse confirmed the instruction had been given before the explosion.

“I wish someone had stopped her. My daughter is not coming back,” Otake’s mother told company representatives.

Mall officials believe a gas leak caused the explosion after about 3,000 shoppers had already evacuated the building. Some employees, however, remained inside.

Rescue teams later pulled five survivors from the debris and recovered the bodies of seven victims.

Recovery Effort Continues

Authorities said the earthquake destroyed about 700 homes and damaged more than 11,300 buildings across Kumamoto Prefecture.

Emergency crews continue restoring essential services while local governments expand temporary housing and support thousands of residents displaced by one of Japan’s deadliest earthquakes this year.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto area on the southern island of Kyushu, disrupting transportation, damaging critical infrastructure and forcing thousands of residents into evacuation shelters as authorities continued assessing the full extent of the disaster.

The earthquake has renewed concerns about disaster preparedness in one of the world’s most seismically active countries, where memories of the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake remain strong.

Rescue Operations Continue at Damaged Sites

Soldiers and emergency responders searched multiple damaged locations, including a shopping mall in the town of Kashima where part of the building collapsed following an explosion believed to have been caused by a gas leak.

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces joined rescue crews at the damaged Aeon Mall, where the collapse of the second floor trapped people inside. Authorities had not announced how many individuals might still be missing at the site.

At a factory operated by Nippon Paper Industries Co. in Yatsushiro, a collapsed chimney trapped workers beneath debris. Kumamoto emergency officials said seven people were believed to remain trapped as of Wednesday, while rescuers had recovered two survivors and two bodies.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said rescue efforts remained the government’s highest priority and urged emergency personnel to continue searching for survivors.

“There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it’s a race against time,” Takaichi said.

Thousands Remain Without Essential Services

The earthquake disrupted electricity, gas and communications across parts of the affected region.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said approximately 36,900 homes remained without electricity, while about 9,500 households continued to lack gas service. Communications networks also remained unavailable in some communities.

More than 9,000 people were staying in over 500 evacuation shelters, where authorities worked to provide additional electrical power so air conditioning could operate during an ongoing heat wave. Temperatures in the region were forecast to exceed 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit).

The government said it was preparing deliveries of food, water and other essential supplies to affected communities.

Takaichi also expressed condolences to the families of those killed and urged evacuees to take precautions against heat-related illness while remaining in shelters.

Transportation and Historic Sites Sustain Damage

Transportation services remained disrupted as engineers inspected infrastructure for damage.

The Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train service remained suspended, while Aso Kumamoto Airport gradually resumed operations after one of its runways was temporarily closed for inspections. Officials warned that some flight cancellations were still possible.

Kumamoto Castle, one of the region’s best-known historical landmarks, also sustained damage, with sections of its stone walls affected by the earthquake, according to Kyodo News. The castle has been undergoing restoration work since suffering extensive damage during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake.

Residents said the latest earthquake revived memories of the earlier disaster. Hiroki Shimoda, an official in Mifune town, said the shaking reminded him of the 2016 earthquake, which killed at least 50 people.

Authorities continued search-and-rescue operations while evaluating structural damage across the region, warning that the full impact of the disaster remains under assessment.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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The most severe structural damage was reported at the Aeon Mall in Kashima Town, where part of the building’s second floor collapsed. Local police said an undetermined number of people remained trapped inside. Kyodo News reported that approximately 20 to 30 employees were missing, while several others were rescued from the debris and transported to nearby hospitals.

The earthquake struck about 900 kilometers (540 miles) southwest of Tokyo. Japan’s Meteorological Agency briefly issued a tsunami advisory for the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas along the western coast of Kumamoto Prefecture and nearby areas before lifting the advisory about two hours later.

Rescue Operations Continue as Authorities Assess Damage

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said officials had received reports of damage to roads, bridges and buildings, along with localized power outages and fires, although the full extent of the destruction was still being assessed.

Japan’s Defense Ministry dispatched aircraft to survey the affected areas and assist with damage assessments.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said there were no immediate reports of significant damage to major public facilities or other critical infrastructure.

Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority also reported no abnormalities at three nearby nuclear power plants following the earthquake.

Hospitals Treat Dozens of Injured

According to Kyodo News, a hospital in Yatsushiro admitted about 40 injured people, while another hospital in Kumamoto City received approximately 50 patients.

Transportation across Kyushu was heavily disrupted as operators suspended Shinkansen bullet train services and several local rail lines to conduct safety inspections.

Kyodo also reported that a train derailed and overturned onto its side at Yatsushiro Station, while sections of the historic Kumamoto Castle sustained damage, including collapsed stone walls.

Operations at Aso Kumamoto Airport were suspended after authorities closed the runway for inspections. Airport officials said there was no immediate timetable for reopening.

Residents Recall the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake

The latest earthquake revived memories of the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, which claimed more than 50 lives.

“The shaking reminded me of the Kumamoto quake 10 years ago, and I was frightened,” Hiroki Shimoda, an official at the Mifune town hall, said after witnessing roof tiles falling from nearby homes.

Officials Warn of Aftershocks

Japan Meteorological Agency official Shinji Kiyomoto urged residents to remain vigilant over the next two to three days, warning that strong aftershocks remain possible.

Emergency crews continued search-and-rescue operations while authorities worked to determine how many people remained trapped inside the collapsed shopping center and assess the broader impact of the earthquake across southern Japan.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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