Death toll from earthquake in Japan rises to 28
The number of people killed by the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture on the Japanese island of Kyushu has risen to 28.
This was announced at a press conference in Tokyo by Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara.
"This figure also includes those whose deaths may presumably be linked to the consequences of the earthquake," he said.
As a result of the natural disaster, many homes were left without electricity, water, and gas. In a number of areas, residential buildings were destroyed, and roads and bridges were damaged.
About 4,600 servicemen of Japan's Self-Defense Forces have been deployed to deal with the aftermath of the earthquake.
The magnitude 7.1 earthquake was one of the most powerful in the country in recent years.
