Japan earthquake: At least 13 dead, death toll expected to rise

LONDON -- At least 13 people died in the aftermath of a powerful 6.8 earthquake that rattled southern Japan, with the death toll expected to rise, officials said.

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing across Kumamoto Prefecture in the aftermath of Tuesday's powerful earthquake, officials said. At least eight people have been pulled out alive, officials said.

"There are still people awaiting rescue, and time is of the essence," Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said. "We will mobilize every resource on the ground to aim for the rescue and saving of as many lives as possible."

She said there's "extensive damage" to the region, including "human injuries, building collapses, fires and road damage."

Among the damaged building is a mall in Kashima Town, officials said. Aerials taken above the mall appeared to show that several walls, as well as the roof, partially collapsed. Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that the fire department said the building's second floor collapsed.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said many people could be trapped inside the mall, NHK reported.

There were some 190 aftershocks in the 24 hours following the initial quake that struck Kyushu Island in the Kumamoto Prefecture shortly before 4:30 p.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and the Japanese Meteorological Society.

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The mall was evacuated when the quake struck, NHK News reported, adding that there appeared to have been an explosion in the earthquake's aftermath.

The prime minister said she is heading a task force for emergency disaster response. Self-defense forces with approximately 3,600 personnel have begun operations in affected areas, she said.

The prime minister urged residents to remain alert for possible earthquakes over the next week or so, which she said could reach a seismic intensity of 7.

ABC News' Joe Simonetti contributed to this report.