Japan races to rescue quake victims as death toll reaches 13

A tremor that hit the southern Japanese island of Kyushu on Tuesday has left at least 13 people dead, officials said, marking the deadliest seismic event in the region in recent years. The earthquake struck in the early hours, prompting immediate alerts across the prefecture and triggering a coordinated emergency response from local authorities, the Japan Meteorological Agency, and disaster‑relief teams.

Rescue crews have been dispatched to the hardest‑hit areas to search for survivors, provide medical assistance, and assess structural damage to homes and infrastructure. Utility companies are working to restore electricity and water services, while shelters have been opened for displaced residents. Authorities continue to monitor aftershocks and have urged the public to remain vigilant as recovery operations proceed.