Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Hits Southern Japan, Causing Death Fears and Major Damage

Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Hits Southern Japan, Causing Death Fears and Major Damage
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A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto Prefecture, causing widespread damage, power outages and injuries, with several people feared dead after an explosion and building collapse at a shopping mall.

The earthquake hit near Uki City at a depth of about 10 kilometers, triggering strong shaking across Kumamoto and neighboring prefectures. Authorities warned residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks.

An explosion at an Aeon Mall in Kumamoto, reportedly caused by a gas leak after the quake, led to the collapse of part of the building. Several workers were reported missing, while rescue teams continued searching the site.

Hospitals reported dozens of injuries, while transport services, including high-speed trains, were suspended for safety checks. Around 48,000 homes lost electricity, and some roads and infrastructure were damaged.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to evacuate if necessary and remain vigilant as emergency teams assessed the damage. The tsunami warning issued after the quake was later lifted, and authorities reported no abnormalities at nearby nuclear facilities.

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces were deployed to support rescue and recovery operations. The country, located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent seismic activity and has faced several major earthquakes in recent decades.