Afghanistan, July 29 -- A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck near the southern Japanese city of Kumamoto, killing at least 13 people, injuring dozens and triggering a large-scale rescue operation as emergency crews searched through collapsed buildings for survivors, Japanese authorities said.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Wednesday that the government had mobilized all available resources for rescue, medical assistance and emergency relief following the quake, which struck late Tuesday. Authorities warned the death toll could rise as search-and-rescue teams continue to comb through damaged homes and buildings.
The earthquake struck about 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Kumamoto on Japan's southwestern island of Kyushu, sha...