A magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck southwestern Japan, resulting in multiple fatalities and leaving others missing and trapped in collapsed structures. The disaster occurred in densely populated areas including a shopping mall and a paper factory, prompting immediate search and rescue operations.
Death toll figures vary among sources. CBS News reports at least 18 people killed with more missing, while NBC News cites at least 13 people killed as of Wednesday, according to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Rescuers are conducting ongoing operations to locate survivors trapped in the rubble of damaged buildings, describing the effort as a race against time.
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