Japanese PM Deploys Additional SDF Personnel to Deal with Kumamoto Earthquake

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi/DOK FOTO via Instagram @takaichi_sanae

JAKARTA - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the number of Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) personnel deployed to handle the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture has been increased to 4,600 people.

"We have increased the number of Self-Defense Forces personnel compared to yesterday to 4,600 people. In addition, there are also 2,000 police personnel deployed," Takaichi said at an emergency response task force meeting, Wednesday, July 29, reported by ANTARA from Sputnik.

He added that more than 1,000 firefighters were also deployed to the disaster site.

In Japan, firefighters are also tasked with rescue operations and ambulance services.

Takaichi said many people were believed to still be trapped under the ruins of the AEON shopping center in Kashima City and the Nippon Paper Industries factory in Yatsushiro City.

"Three people died in the AEON shopping center and many people are still inside the building. At the Nippon Paper Industries factory in Yatsushiro, where the chimney collapsed, many people are still missing," he said.

"The massive search and rescue operation continues. More than 20 hours have passed since the earthquake occurred and many people are still waiting to be rescued. It's a race against time," Takaichi added.

It was reported that 13 people died due to a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that shook Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, southwest Japan, on Tuesday afternoon.

The shallow quake, which was centered at a depth of about 16 kilometers, also forced thousands of residents to flee their homes.