Death toll reaches 13 after magnitude 7.1 earthquake strikes southwestern Japan

Following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that at least 13 people have died and "extensive damage" has been reported across the island of Kyushu. Authorities warned that the death toll could increase as rescue crews reach isolated communities.

The earthquake caused severe infrastructure damage, severing roads and destroying bridges. In Kashima, emergency responders are conducting search and rescue operations at a collapsed shopping center, where an upper floor caved in following a reported explosion. Over 9,000 residents have been relocated to temporary shelters while search efforts continue under hazardous conditions. An initial tsunami warning issued after the tremor was later lifted.

Sources: Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, TV 2 Nyheter.