Japan quake leaves 13 dead as rescue operations continue — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The death toll from a powerful earthquake in southwestern Japan has risen to 13, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped under the rubble. The magnitude 6.8 quake struck Kumamoto Prefecture late Tuesday, damaging roads and buildings, disrupting rail services and forcing thousands of people to evacuate to shelters, the BBC reported. Three of the victims were killed after part of the second floor of Aeon Mall in Kashima collapsed, according to the local fire department. Eight people have so far been rescued from the shopping centre, while authorities said it remains unclear how many others may still be trapped. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed condolences to the victims and praised emergency workers for their efforts, saying the rescue operation was “a race against time.” The Japan Meteorological Agency recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.1, while the US Geological Survey measured it at 6.8. The quake had a shallow depth of about 10 kilometres, with its epicentre located around 20 kilometres south of Kumamoto city. Footage from the affected areas showed damaged roads, collapsed structures and fires in several locations. Train services were suspended and thousands of homes lost electricity. The International Atomic Energy Agency said the earthquake caused no damage or safety concerns at the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant, located about 100 kilometres from the…