Search for survivors after powerful Japan quake kills 13

Japanese Defence Ministry sent around 300 air-conditioners to evacuation shelters in the southwestern Kumamoto region, after a major quake on Tuesday flattened homes, triggered fires, and ruptured bridges.

The government says more than 9,000 people were in evacuation centres on Wednesday following the 7.1-magnitude tremor. The tremor on the island of Kyushu caused widespread damage, flattening homes, triggering fires and leaving tens of thousands of residents without power and water.

Government spokesman Minoru Kihara said that around 130 police, 450 firefighters and 170 military personnel were involved in the rescue operation at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto.