People receive relief materials at a shelter in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, July 30, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]
TOKYO -- The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture has risen to 38, while more than 9,200 people remain in evacuation shelters, local authorities said Sunday.
At a disaster response headquarters meeting held Sunday morning, the Kumamoto prefectural government announced that 38 people have been confirmed dead, including two whose deaths are still being investigated to determine whether they were caused by the magnitude 7.1 tremor.
A total of 210 evacuation shelters remain open across the prefecture, accommodating 9,226 evacuees, officials said.
Officials said ambulances had transported 30 people with suspected symptoms of heatstroke on Saturday, with temperatures in some parts of Kumamoto Prefecture reaching over 37 degrees Celsius.
