Kumamoto : Authorities in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan announced that the death toll from the powerful earthquake in south-western Japan has risen to 28.
The figure, provided by local police, includes people whose deaths are suspected to be linked to the disaster following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that caused widespread damage to infrastructure.
Many buildings in the region were destroyed, raising fears that the death toll could rise further. Dozens of people were also injured, according to local media.
More than a day after the powerful quake, thousands of households remained without electricity or running water.
More than 10,000 people were still staying in emergency shelters early on Thursday.
Search and rescue operations were continuing.
