Magnitude 7.1 earthquake causes severe damage and casualties in southern Japan

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southwestern island of Kyushu on Thursday, causing severe structural damage and human casualties across Kumamoto Prefecture.

Emergency responders focused heavily on the Aeon Mall in Kashima, where a second-floor collapse following a suspected explosion trapped numerous individuals. Broadcasters reported that between 20 and 30 employees remain missing, with local police fearing multiple deaths. Regional authorities confirmed that at least 50 people have been hospitalized and 12 homes collapsed. Infrastructure damage left approximately 40,000 households without power, while Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi noted extensive destruction to roads and bridges.

Authorities instructed 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.