Authorities have concluded a five-day search-and-rescue operation at a collapsed shopping mall in southwest Japan following a powerful earthquake that killed 34 people earlier this week. The operation, which began after the quake struck on Tuesday, involved emergency responders working around the clock to locate survivors and recover bodies from the rubble. The Aeon Mall in Kumamoto was partially collapsed, trapping dozens of people inside.
The earthquake, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, struck near the city of Beppu, triggering landslides and damaging infrastructure. Local officials confirmed the death toll rose to 34, with many more injured. Rescue teams used heavy machinery and trained personnel to clear debris, but conditions remained dangerous due to the unstable structure.
The government has pledged support for the affected communities, with officials emphasizing the need for long-term recovery efforts. The incident has raised concerns about building safety in the region, prompting calls for stricter regulations. Emergency services continue to assess the full impact of the disaster. (winnipegfreepress.com)
