At least 13 dead in Japanese earthquake as search and rescue efforts continue
At least eight people have been pulled out alive in the aftermath so far.
LONDON -- At least 13 people died in the aftermath of a powerful 6.8 earthquake that rattled southern Japan, where search and rescue efforts are currently ongoing across Kumamoto Prefecture, officials said.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi detailed the death toll as of 10:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday, saying there was also "extensive damage" to the region, including "human injuries, building collapses, fires and road damage."
"There are still people awaiting rescue, and time is of the essence," she said. "We will mobilize every resource on the ground to aim for the rescue and saving of as many lives as possible."
At least eight people have been pulled out alive in the aftermath of Tuesday's powerful earthquake that caused damage to a shopping mall in Kashima Town, officials said.
Aerials taken above the mall appeared to show that several walls, as well as the roof, partially collapsed. Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that the fire department said the building's second floor collapsed.
The death toll is expected to rise, and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said many people could be trapped inside the mall, NHK reported.
There were some 190 aftershocks in the 24 hours following the initial quake that struck Kyushu Island in the Kumamoto Prefecture shortly before 4:30 p.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and the Japanese Meteorological Society.
The mall was evacuated when the quake struck, NHK News reported, adding that there appeared to have been an explosion in the earthquake's aftermath.
A task force for emergency disaster response was created Tuesday, headed by Takaichi, she said. Self-defense forces with approximately 3,600 personnel began operations in affected areas, according to the prime minister.
The prime minister urged residents to remain alert for possible earthquakes over the next week or so, which she said could reach a seismic intensity of 7.
ABC News' Joe Simonetti contributed to this report.