Japan quake toll hits 34 as survivors struggle in heat

AI Summary

A major earthquake in Japan resulted in at least 34 deaths and widespread damage to homes, bridges, and infrastructure. Survivors face extreme heat with temperatures forecast to reach 38C, complicating rescue efforts and causing power and water outages for tens of thousands of residents.

Japanese emergency workers battled Thursday to find survivors from a wrecked shopping mall, as the death toll from a major earthquake two days earlier hit 34 and thousands sweltered in punishing heat. The quake caused widespread damage, flattening homes, damaging bridges, triggering fires and leaving tens of thousands of residents without power and water in temperatures forecast to hit 38C this weekend.