Earthquake in southwestern Japan kills dozens, hampering rescue efforts

A powerful earthquake hit Kumamoto prefecture in southwestern Japan on Tuesday, killing at least 30 people and injuring 62 more. The magnitude 6.8 quake caused serious damage across the region. At a shopping mall in Kashima, the second floor fell in after an explosion. In Yatsushiro, a chimney at a paper factory collapsed, killing eight people. Many homes were also destroyed. More than 100 smaller quakes have followed, including one of magnitude 5.8 overnight, which made rescue work harder. Nearly 5,000 soldiers have been sent to help search for survivors. Rescue teams are working against time, because the first 72 hours after a quake are the most important for finding people alive. Temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius have made conditions dangerous for both rescuers and evacuees.