A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday, triggering a powerful blast and the partial collapse of the Aeon Mall in Kashima Town. Fire officials confirmed that the building's second floor gave way, leaving several people trapped and feared dead. While customers were evacuated from the site, rescue operations remain ongoing.
The earthquake, which occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, caused widespread infrastructure damage across the Kyushu region. The tremor halted flights at Kumamoto airport, disrupted mobile communications, and caused localized power outages. Japan's Meteorological Agency issued a minor tsunami warning following the initial quake and two subsequent aftershocks.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that officials are currently evaluating reports of collapsed buildings and fires. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that no irregularities have been detected at nuclear power facilities in the affected area. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as emergency teams respond to the widespread destruction.
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