7.1 Magnitude Earthquake in Japan: Casualties and Trapped Victims, Mall Collapse After Explosion, Bridge Collapses, Train Derails

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Kumamoto area on Kyushu Island, Japan, with reports of casualties and people trapped in a collapsed mall after an explosion, a derailed train, a collapsed bridge, and extensive infrastructure damage. About 300,000 residents were ordered to evacuate.

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck this afternoon (Tuesday) the Kumamoto area on Kyushu Island, southern Japan. The epicenter was about 20 km south of Kumamoto, the island's largest city with about 700,000 residents. Extensive destruction was reported: the Aeon mall collapsed after an explosion, with 20 to 30 workers trapped inside, and local police estimate 'quite a few' fatalities. A high-speed train derailed and fell on its side in Yatsushiro city, with several injuries. A bridge partially collapsed in Yatsushiro, and another bridge cracked. A hospital in the city reported about 40 injured. At a Nippon Paper factory in Kumamoto, there are missing persons after a chimney collapse. Additional buildings caught fire or partially collapsed. Railway services were suspended, and airport operations halted. Kyushu Electric Power reported power outages for about 48,000 customers. About 300,000 people were ordered to evacuate. A tsunami warning initially issued was later lifted. Authorities clarified there is no risk of damage to nuclear power plants. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said 3,600 soldiers would assist in rescue and recovery. The earthquake occurred a decade after a deadly quake in the same area that killed 275 people.