Japan Kumamoto earthquake: What happened, damage, victims, latest updates - Al Jazeera

Core Impact Points

• At least 13 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds injured in the powerful earthquake that struck Kumamoto, Japan.
• The earthquake damaged several buildings, including the famous Kumamoto Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Rescue teams are searching for survivors in the rubble of destroyed buildings, with many people still missing.
• The earthquake was a major test for Japan's disaster response system, which has been praised for its efficiency and effectiveness.
• The quake has also raised concerns about the safety of Japan's nuclear power plants, with several plants in the affected area shutting down as a precaution.
• The US has offered assistance to Japan in the aftermath of the disaster, with a team of experts from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) arriving in the country to help with the relief efforts.