Japan earthquake death toll rises to 36

Japan earthquake death toll rises to 36

Communities across southwestern Japan face a long road to recovery after this week's massive earthquake. Authorities say the death toll could now stand at 36. The figure is still being verified.

The magnitude 7.1 quake struck on Tuesday in Kumamoto Prefecture. It measured the maximum of 7 on the Japanese intensity scale. Authorities say 1,500 houses have been confirmed damaged, and more than 9,500 people have been evacuated.

A huge explosion tore through a shopping mall in Kashima Town following the quake. Rescuers pulled 12 people out. Seven died, and five were injured.

An elderly man was reportedly found unconscious on Friday under a collapsed wall at another mall in Uki City. Authorities are working to determine whether there is a connection to the quake.

Officials in Yatsushiro City say 11 people became trapped at a Nippon Paper Industries plant after a chimney collapsed. Only two survived.

The Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train resumed service between Hakata and Kumamoto on Friday. But officials say it will be difficult to restart operations between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata in August.