A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake has struck southern Japan, causing widespread damage and triggering a major emergency response after people became trapped inside a collapsed shopping centre.
The earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu island, with the tremor causing severe structural damage across the region. A section of the Aeon Mall in Kashima collapsed following the quake, leaving multiple people trapped as rescue teams rushed to the scene.
Emergency crews, police and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces launched search and rescue operations as authorities assessed the extent of the destruction. Officials reported deaths and injuries, while concerns remained over people still unaccounted for inside damaged structures.
The earthquake also caused damage to roads, buildings and industrial facilities, with transport services disrupted across the affected areas. Power outages were reported, and authorities warned residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks and secondary hazards such as landslides.
A tsunami advisory was issued following the earthquake but was later lifted. Nearby nuclear facilities were reported to have no immediate safety issues, according to authorities.
Japan, one of the world’s most earthquake-prepared nations, activated emergency response systems as officials focused on rescue efforts, damage assessment and protecting residents from further seismic activity.
The disaster has renewed concerns about earthquake risks in Japan, where communities continue to invest heavily in disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure and emergency response planning.
