Japan is in a “race against time” to rescue people trapped beneath rubble after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit the island of Kyushu on Tuesday; At least 13 people have been killed, with some people still missing and thousands displaced from their homes, according to the BBC.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Japanese authorities are working to locate people trapped in a damaged shopping mall and a paper factory, where more individuals remain unaccounted for. BBC reporter Jake Kwon explained that the 24 hours following the quake have been critical, as the death toll is expected to rise as more casualties are found under the rubble.

Emergency teams and volunteers are using specialized equipment and trained search dogs to locate survivors — the search is complicated by damaged infrastructure, blocked roads, and the risk of aftershocks. Over 3. 000 people have been forced to leave their homes due to the quake, with temporary shelters set up across the region.

International Concern and Support

Japan has a history of natural disasters and has developed extensive emergency response systems, but this earthquake has renewed global concern about the region’s preparedness; the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has been monitoring the situation closely, offering support if needed.

Meanwhile, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia announced airstrikes on Iranian-backed groups in Iraq late Tuesday, following alleged attacks on American forces — this marks an escalation in the Middle East conflict, now in its fifth month, as Iran and its allies continue to respond to regional tensions.

Elsewhere, former FBI Director James Comey filed new motions in his legal battle against federal charges related to a seashell photo he posted. The charges allege the image threatened President Trump, although Comey maintains his innocence. The case has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the legal and political tensions in the U.S. government.

Other Developments

Florida became the first state in nearly a decade to carry out two executions in a single day, including an 80-year-old inmate who was the second-oldest person to receive a lethal injection in modern U.S. history. The executions occurred at Florida State Prison and were carried out without incident, according to state officials.

The Federal Communications Commission announced a ban on imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, citing national security risks. The move, which targets China, aims to reduce potential vulnerabilities in U.S. infrastructure. The decision reflects growing concerns about the security of foreign technology in critical sectors.

Kenya’s Wildlife Service reported that 10 elephants showed signs of partial paralysis before dying within two days, raising concerns about possible poisoning or disease. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the deaths, with wildlife conservationists urging caution and further research.

In another development, the U.S. Congress appropriated $345 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for the 2026 fiscal year. However, the agency has spent less than $15 million on grants in recent years, raising questions about the efficiency of federal funding in healthcare research.