Japan hit by 7.1 magnitude earthquake as rescue efforts focus on collapsed mall

Rescue teams in southern Japan are searching for survivors after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kyushu island's Kumamoto prefecture at a depth of ten kilometers.

Emergency efforts are heavily concentrated at the Aeon Mall in Kashima, where a second-floor collapse following a reported explosion trapped numerous people under debris. Broadcasters report that between 20 and 30 employees remain missing, with police fearing a substantial number of fatalities. Across the region, at least 50 people have been hospitalized, 12 homes collapsed, and severe infrastructure damage has cut power to roughly 40,000 households.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed widespread damage to roads and bridges, while authorities ordered over 150,000 residents to evacuate to emergency centers. An initial tsunami warning was canceled shortly after the quake.

Sources: Die Zeit, ORF, TV 2 Nyheter.