Pakistan, July 31 -- The death toll from the powerful earthquake in Japan's southwestern Kumamoto Prefecture has risen to 35, local officials said on Friday. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors as the critical 72-hour rescue window nears its end.

According to public broadcaster NHK, authorities have not confirmed whether all reported deaths were directly caused by the earthquake. However, officials warned the toll could increase as rescue operations continue.

Read more: Japan earthquake survivors face disaster again

The Japan Meteorological measured Tuesday's earthquake at magnitude 7.1, while the US Geological Survey and Germany's GEOFON network estimated it at 6.8. Moreover, the quake reached the highest level on Japan's se...