RESCUE TEAMS FACE ‘RACE AGAINST TIME’ IN SEARCH FOR TRAPPED SURVIVORS AS DEATH TOLL IN JAPAN RISES TO AT LEAST 13 – LIVE UPDATES

A powerful earthquake struck southern Japan, prompting a search and rescue operation for survivors trapped in damaged buildings. According to World news | The Guardian, the death toll has risen to at least 13, with rescue teams facing a 'race against time' to reach those trapped. The earthquake also triggered an explosion at the Aeon shopping centre in Kumamoto, with the cause still under investigation.

Emergency workers are continuing their search, with Japan's leader warning that 'every second counts' in the effort to reach people trapped, as reported by CNN. The explosion at the Aeon shopping centre occurred about an hour after the earthquake struck, with a gas smell detected inside the building during the search, according to local media. At least 13 people have been killed, with rescuers searching for people trapped in damaged buildings, including a mall and factory, as reported by CBS News.

The earthquake has caused significant damage and disruption in southern Japan, with the search and rescue operation ongoing. The situation is critical, with rescue teams working to reach survivors as quickly as possible.

• At least 13 people killed in the earthquake
• Rescue teams searching for survivors trapped in damaged buildings
• Explosion occurred at Aeon shopping centre in Kumamoto, cause under investigation

Read the original source for full detail available at World news | The Guardian src