Nippon Paper Workers Missing after Earthquake Damages Yatsushiro Mill

Several workers remained unaccounted for after a powerful earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture, causing significant damage at Nippon Paper Industries' Yatsushiro mill.

The earthquake caused multiple chimneys at the facility to collapse, with sections falling into the mill complex. Emergency responders were deployed to the site as rescue operations continued.

According to reports from Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency cited by NHK, nine people at the Yatsushiro mill were initially reported to be in need of rescue following the earthquake. Authorities said some workers had already been rescued, although their conditions were not immediately confirmed.

Nippon Paper said it was continuing to assess the extent of the damage and the impact on employees and operations. The Yatsushiro mill manufactures printing paper and other paper products.

The earthquake also caused widespread disruption across Kumamoto Prefecture, including power outages, road damage and building collapses. Japanese authorities continued search-and-rescue efforts while assessing the full extent of the damage.