Powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake hits southern Japan, causing casualties and structural damage

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto on Kyushu island at a depth of ten kilometers, leaving multiple people dead and dozens injured. A temporary tsunami warning was issued following the tremor but was quickly rescinded.

Local infrastructure suffered severe damage, with destroyed roads, collapsed bridges, and widespread power outages affecting around 40,000 households. Authorities urged more than 150,000 residents to seek shelter in designated evacuation centers.

In the town of Kashima, a floor of a shopping center collapsed following a reported explosion, trapping numerous visitors and staff inside. Emergency services also reported that at least twelve residential houses collapsed, burying occupants under debris. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed ongoing efforts to assess the full extent of the destruction and coordinate rescue operations.

Sources: ORF, TV 2 Nyheter, Die Zeit.