A 7.1‑magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan early Tuesday, with the tremor recorded at 4:27 p.m. local time. The epicenter was located about 20 kilometers south of Kumamoto, the island’s largest city. The powerful shock triggered a series of aftershocks within minutes.
The disaster left one person dead and more than 100 injured, while dozens were feared trapped after the second floor of a shopping mall in Kashima collapsed. Emergency responders reported that many occupants remained inside the damaged structure, though the exact number of casualties could not be confirmed immediately.
Mall officials confirmed that customers and staff were evacuated from the site following the collapse. Authorities are examining the possibility of a gas explosion contributing to the damage, despite the mall’s recent upgrades that included seismically reinforced ceilings after a 2016 earthquake.
A nearby witness described hearing a large explosion and seeing a thick cloud of smoke rise, likening the scene to falling volcanic ash. The wind carried the smoke toward surrounding shops, intensifying the hazardous conditions.
The prime minister addressed the nation, noting that the full extent of injuries and structural damage remained unknown. An emergency task force was activated, and 3,600 soldiers were mobilized to assist with rescue and recovery operations.
Additional incidents were reported, including several missing persons at a factory in Yatsushiro where a chimney segment fell, and a separate fatality resulting from a house collapse.
Across Kyushu, the quake caused fires, damaged bridges, derailed a train, and left numerous homes on the brink of collapse. Visual reports showed extensive damage to infrastructure and residential areas.
Approximately 300,000 residents were instructed to seek shelter in evacuation centers, while 40,000 homes experienced power outages. Train services and flights were suspended, and an initial tsunami warning was later lifted as conditions stabilized.
