Powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes Japan's Kumamoto region

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake has struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, causing structural damage, fires, and widespread power outages across the region. The tremor occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, prompting brief tsunami warnings for nearby bays that were later lifted.

Emergency crews are searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings, including a commercial center where an explosion occurred shortly after the quake. Initial casualty figures remain conflicting among reports: Bulgarian outlet Mediapool cited at least 13 deaths, while Ukrinform reported one fatality alongside dozens of injuries and missing persons. Moldovan outlet Point reported at least 50 injuries as authorities continue assessing damage to local transport networks.

Sources: Mediapool, Point, Ukrinform