Death toll climbs to 34 as Kumamoto quake leaves survivors without water amid heat
According to AP News, the death toll from the July 28 magnitude-7. 1 earthquake in Kumamoto rose to 34 on July 31, as survivors faced water shortages and extreme heat while rescue teams continued searches. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a brief tsunami advisory for Ariake Bay after the quake struck Kumamoto prefecture, and the Japan Defense Ministry halted train services and closed the runway at Aso Kumamoto Airport. NBC News reported at least 50 injuries and the collapse of a shopping mall and homes, while CBS noted five deaths and workers trapped in a paper-mill chimney.
NPR said at least 18 people were killed and dozens injured, prompting soldiers, firefighters and volunteers to search damaged buildings. The BBC added that more than 100 aftershocks followed, with the death count then at least 13. AP later updated the toll to 23, noting widespread power outages and thousands sheltering in evacuation centers. Both The New York Times and the Japan Times confirmed the toll climbing to 34 as rescue efforts persisted.
