Magnitude 7.1 earthquake in southern Japan leaves at least five dead

At least five people have died and more than 100 others sustained injuries after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday. The tremor, which triggered tsunami warnings and registered at the maximum intensity level of 7 on the national seismic scale, caused structural damage and fires across the region.

According to local officials cited by public broadcaster NHK, two of the fatalities occurred at a shopping center following a quake-induced explosion. Emergency responders continue to search collapsed buildings while regional authorities evaluate full casualty numbers and conduct ongoing rescue efforts.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde