Earthquake in Japan - Many Dead and Injured (VIDEO)

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake on Japan's Kyushu island has killed at least 13 people, with nine missing. Buildings and roads have been destroyed, fires have broken out. Over 9,000 residents have been evacuated. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck Japan's Kyushu island, killing at least 13 people. According to authorities, nine others are missing, and search and rescue operations continue. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reported that the tremors caused widespread destruction: buildings and roads were damaged, fires broke out, and numerous collapses were recorded. Rescuers are clearing debris, including at the site of a collapsed shopping center where people may still be trapped. Seven people were seriously injured, and 29 others sustained minor injuries. Over 9,000 residents spent the night in evacuation centers. The earthquake occurred at 4:27 PM local time. Japanese television channels showed footage of destroyed bridges, buildings engulfed in flames, and overturned freight cars. Japan is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active regions in the world.