The threat of a heavy storm and ongoing aftershocks are adding an extra sense of urgency to rescue efforts after two earthquakes struck southwestern Japan in just over 24 hours.<br /><br /> Dozens have died and some 1,500 people were injured when Kumamoto Prefecture was struck late on Thursday evening (April 14) and again early on Saturday morning (April 16).<br /><br /> At least nine people are known to have been killed as a result of Thursday’s ‘quake, while the death toll from Saturday currently stands at 32.<br /><br /> The first magnitude-6.4 ‘quake is now believed to have been a precursor to the second, magnitude-7.3 tremor. <br /><br /> “I was caught off-guard, I think we all were,” said local resident Hikaru Morimoto. “After Thursday, I thought the worst was over, so I was really shocked, really.”<br /><br /> More than 20 people are feared trapped.<br /><br /> Authorities have deployed 20,000 troops to the region to assist with recovery operations. Landslides have damaged roads, cutting off remote villages and hampering rescue efforts.
