KUMAMOTO, Japan – The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan has risen to 34, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Okay News reports that the magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Kyushu Island on Tuesday, causing extensive damage to homes, businesses and power infrastructure. Several of the fatalities occurred after part of an Aeon shopping mall collapsed, followed by an explosion roughly an hour later that investigators believe was likely caused by gas. The earthquake has revived painful memories of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, which claimed 278 lives and caused widespread destruction across the region. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert for aftershocks while emergency teams continue recovery efforts.