Japan Earthquake: Magnitude 7.1 Quake Triggers Mall Explosion, Multiple Casualties Feared

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Japan Earthquake: Magnitude 7.1 Quake Triggers Mall Explosion, Multiple Casualties Feared

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A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's southern Kumamoto Prefecture, causing widespread destruction, power outages, infrastructure damage, and a deadly explosion at a shopping mall. Authorities fear multiple casualties as rescue teams continue searching for people trapped beneath the debris.

According to local reports, the earthquake hit on Tuesday afternoon, shaking large parts of Kyushu and prompting an immediate emergency response. The most serious incident occurred at the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto, where an explosion followed the quake. Around 20 to 30 workers were reported missing, while several people are believed to have died and many others remain trapped.

Hospitals across the region received a large number of injured victims. One hospital treated more than 50 patients, while another admitted around 40 injured people, including at least 10 in critical condition. Additional injuries were reported after a Shinkansen bullet train was affected by the strong tremors.

A tsunami warning was initially issued but later withdrawn after authorities determined there was no significant threat. Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that nearby nuclear power plants were operating normally, with no abnormalities detected.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to remain alert for powerful aftershocks and follow evacuation orders. She confirmed that roads, bridges, and buildings had sustained damage, while fires and widespread power outages were reported in several areas.

Approximately 300,000 residents have been advised to evacuate to designated shelters. Hundreds of military personnel have been deployed to assist with rescue operations as aftershocks continue to shake the region.

Transportation across Kyushu has been severely disrupted. High-speed Shinkansen services and local railway lines have been suspended for safety inspections, while Aso Kumamoto Airport has closed its runway indefinitely.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic following the mall explosion. Local resident Kazuya Tsurunaga said a massive blast sent smoke rising into the sky, with ash-like debris covering nearby streets after the explosion.

Japan, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent seismic activity and accounts for nearly 20 percent of the world's earthquakes measuring magnitude 6.0 or higher. Officials warned that additional earthquakes of similar strength remain possible in the coming days.

Major companies with manufacturing facilities in Kumamoto, including TSMC, Sony, and Fujifilm, temporarily evacuated employees while assessing potential damage. TSMC confirmed all personnel at its Kumamoto plant were safe and that structural inspections had been completed.

The latest disaster has revived memories of the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, which claimed 275 lives and injured thousands. Rescue teams remain on high alert as emergency operations continue across the affected region.