A powerful earthquake struck southwestern Japan, leaving at least 18 people dead as rescue crews comb through collapsed buildings and rubble, according to The Hindu.
The quake triggered a blast at a shopping mall, compounding the destruction, reports NDTV. Rescuers have been hauling survivors from the mall wreckage, Reuters adds. More than 100 aftershocks have hit the region since the initial tremor, the BBC reports.
Al Jazeera describes the earthquake as causing widespread destruction across the affected area. The death toll has climbed from an earlier count of 13, as reported by multiple outlets. Authorities continue search-and-rescue operations amid ongoing aftershocks.
Officials warn that the number of casualties may rise as teams reach more isolated areas.
