A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake has struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto Prefecture, triggering widespread damage, power outages and an intensive search-and-rescue operation for people trapped beneath collapsed buildings and inside a heavily damaged shopping mall. Authorities have also been investigating an explosion that occurred at the mall shortly after the quake.
Emergency crews, soldiers and firefighters have been deployed across the region, where damaged roads, collapsed homes and disrupted transport have complicated rescue efforts. Thousands of residents have been evacuated, while aftershocks continue to shake the area, raising concerns about further building collapses. Officials say it is a race against time to locate survivors.
The Japan Meteorological Agency initially issued a tsunami advisory following the earthquake but later lifted it. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert for strong aftershocks as rescue operations continue.
