Rescuers in southwestern Japan continue searching through earthquake-damaged rubble as the death toll rises to 18, according to reports from multiple outlets. Teams are combing through collapsed structures in the affected area, working to locate survivors and identify missing people. Officials and responders say the search is ongoing, with uncertainty remaining about the total number of people still unaccounted for. One report notes that sweltering conditions are adding to the difficulty of rescue operations. The heat increases concerns for people who may be trapped or injured while efforts continue to reach them. While rescuers press on, the exact scale of the damage and the number of casualties beyond the confirmed deaths have not been fully established. Both sources indicate that the situation remains fluid, with authorities relying on continued searches and assessments to determine how many people may still be missing as they work at the scene.