Japan Faces Urgent Rescue Efforts After Deadly Kyushu Earthquake

Japan's southwestern island of Kyushu was struck by a powerful earthquake on Tuesday, initiating an urgent "race against time" for rescue teams. Reports confirm at least 13 fatalities, with many more feared trapped beneath collapsed structures as emergency services work tirelessly.The earthquake caused significant damage across the affected regions of Kyushu. Rescue operations are intensely focused on locating and extracting individuals trapped under rubble, a task made challenging by the extent of structural collapses. The immediate priority remains saving lives in the aftermath of the devastating natural disaster.Japan is highly susceptible to earthquakes due to its geographical location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. This geological belt is known for its frequent seismic activity and volcanic eruptions, accounting for a vast majority of global earthquakes. The country has developed advanced seismic monitoring and early warning systems to mitigate disaster impact. The capital city of Japan is Tokyo, and its currency is the Japanese Yen. Understanding tectonic plate boundaries and their associated geological phenomena is crucial for geography sections in competitive exams.