Death toll in Japan earthquake rises to 17 as aftershock and heat complicate rescue efforts

Rescue teams in southwest Japan are still searching a collapsed shopping mall and flattened houses for survivors after Tuesday's magnitude six point eight earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture on the island of Kyushu. The Guardian reports the death toll has climbed to seventeen, with at least sixty-two injured according to the prefectural government, a number that has been steadily rising. Aftershocks and heat are complicating the ongoing rescue effort.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton