WorldRescue teams search for survivors as major damage reported across Kumamoto regionThis aerial image shows rescue operation at the Nippon Paper Industries Co.’s Yatsushiro factory, following an earthquake in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. APKumamoto, Japan: A powerful earthquake struck the Kumamoto area on Japan's southwestern main island of Kyushu on Tuesday, causing extensive damage to buildings, homes and infrastructure. Images from the scene capture the extent of the damage, with collapsed sections of buildings, debris-strewn streets and rescue personnel operating in affected communities. Authorities continued to assess casualties and structural damage as recovery efforts got underway. This story is based on an Associated Press photo gallery documenting the aftermath of the earthquake in southwestern Japan.