TOKYO, Japan – A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu on Tuesday, causing the partial collapse of a shopping mall, disrupting transportation and prompting a large-scale emergency response as rescuers searched for dozens of people reported missing.
The most severe structural damage was reported at the Aeon Mall in Kashima Town, where part of the building’s second floor collapsed. Local police said an undetermined number of people remained trapped inside. Kyodo News reported that approximately 20 to 30 employees were missing, while several others were rescued from the debris and transported to nearby hospitals.
The earthquake struck about 900 kilometers (540 miles) southwest of Tokyo. Japan’s Meteorological Agency briefly issued a tsunami advisory for the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas along the western coast of Kumamoto Prefecture and nearby areas before lifting the advisory about two hours later.
Rescue Operations Continue as Authorities Assess Damage
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said officials had received reports of damage to roads, bridges and buildings, along with localized power outages and fires, although the full extent of the destruction was still being assessed.
Japan’s Defense Ministry dispatched aircraft to survey the affected areas and assist with damage assessments.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said there were no immediate reports of significant damage to major public facilities or other critical infrastructure.
Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority also reported no abnormalities at three nearby nuclear power plants following the earthquake.
Hospitals Treat Dozens of Injured
According to Kyodo News, a hospital in Yatsushiro admitted about 40 injured people, while another hospital in Kumamoto City received approximately 50 patients.
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Transportation across Kyushu was heavily disrupted as operators suspended Shinkansen bullet train services and several local rail lines to conduct safety inspections.
Kyodo also reported that a train derailed and overturned onto its side at Yatsushiro Station, while sections of the historic Kumamoto Castle sustained damage, including collapsed stone walls.
Operations at Aso Kumamoto Airport were suspended after authorities closed the runway for inspections. Airport officials said there was no immediate timetable for reopening.
Residents Recall the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake
The latest earthquake revived memories of the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, which claimed more than 50 lives.
“The shaking reminded me of the Kumamoto quake 10 years ago, and I was frightened,” Hiroki Shimoda, an official at the Mifune town hall, said after witnessing roof tiles falling from nearby homes.
Officials Warn of Aftershocks
Japan Meteorological Agency official Shinji Kiyomoto urged residents to remain vigilant over the next two to three days, warning that strong aftershocks remain possible.
Emergency crews continued search-and-rescue operations while authorities worked to determine how many people remained trapped inside the collapsed shopping center and assess the broader impact of the earthquake across southern Japan.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
