A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island on Tuesday, trapping people inside a damaged shopping mall, injuring dozens and causing widespread disruption.
The quake struck at 4:27 p.m. local time, registering the highest level of 7 on Japan’s Shindo intensity scale, which measures ground shaking. Authorities launched emergency response operations as reports emerged of collapsed buildings, damaged roads and bridges, fires and power outages.
Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported that many people were trapped inside an Aeon shopping mall in Kashima Town after the quake, while local broadcaster TBS quoted police as saying that “quite a few” people were feared dead following an explosion at the mall. At least 50 people were reported hospitalized.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said initial reports indicated multiple injuries and significant damage to civilian infrastructure, with emergency teams continuing to assess the full extent of the disaster.
Authorities later confirmed there was no tsunami threat, as the earthquake occurred inland. The Japan Meteorological Agency said no tsunami activity had been detected and expected to lift its advisory after further sea-level monitoring.
Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority reported no abnormalities at nearby nuclear power plants, easing concerns over nuclear safety. However, approximately 45,000 homes and facilities temporarily lost electricity, according to Kyushu Electric Power.
The affected region is home to major manufacturing facilities, including plants operated by Sony and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Sony said it was assessing conditions at its sites, while TSMC had not issued an immediate statement.
Japan, located on the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent earthquakes. Kumamoto was previously devastated by twin earthquakes in 2016 that killed 273 people and caused widespread destruction.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert for aftershocks and follow official safety instructions as damage assessments continue.
