A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday, causing widespread damage, multiple deaths, and leaving dozens of people missing as emergency crews raced to rescue survivors.
The earthquake, centered in Kumamoto Prefecture, damaged roads, bridges, homes, and businesses, while knocking out power to tens of thousands of households.
Authorities issued a tsunami warning immediately after the quake, but it was lifted later after no major waves were reported.
One of the hardest-hit locations was an AEON shopping mall, where part of the building collapsed following an explosion believed to have been caused by a gas leak. Rescue teams continued searching through the debris for workers and shoppers who remained unaccounted for.
Officials also reported additional casualties and injuries from collapsed buildings and industrial facilities across the region.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government had deployed hundreds of military personnel and emergency responders to assist with rescue efforts and urged residents to remain alert for strong aftershocks. Officials warned that additional earthquakes and landslides remain possible over the coming days.
No damage or irregularities were reported at nearby nuclear power plants, according to Japan’s nuclear regulators.
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