A magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture in Kyushu, Japan, killing at least 13 people and leaving many missing as rescuers work to reach those trapped in collapsed structures such as a shopping mall and a paper mill. The quake caused widespread damage, toppled buildings, disrupted rail and power services, and prompted tsunami warnings that were later lifted. Officials warn of potential further quakes in the near term, while the Sendai nuclear plant was reported undamaged and authorities monitor the broader risk. The event underscores Japan’s vulnerability on the Ring of Fire and the ongoing need for rapid search-and-rescue and infrastructure resilience, with the next days expected to be critical. Government and emergency services vow to marshal all resources to save survivors amid continuing heat and travel disruptions.
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At least 13 people were killed as rescuers continued operations across Kumamoto prefecture, with efforts focused on a partially collapsed Aeon mall and a Nippon Paper Industries factory where a chimney collapse is suspected to have contributed to missing-person reports.
The earthquake occurred Tuesday afternoon at a shallow depth of about 6 miles, with its epicenter roughly 12 miles south of Kumamoto city, triggering tsunami warnings that were lifted soon after.
Damage extended to historic sites like Kumamoto Castle, along with widespread power outages affecting thousands of homes and disruptions to rail traffic, including high-speed trains on Kyushu.
Authorities reported several dozen injuries and the deployment of thousands of soldiers to assist local rescue teams, while investigators assessed whether a gas leak caused an explosion at the Aeon mall.
Detailed infrastructure impacts included a derailed freight train at Yatsushiro station and overturned carriages, with aerial footage showing damaged shrine pillars and collapsed structures in the area.
Officials noted no damage to nuclear facilities in the region, and Japan’s nuclear authority confirmed Sendai plant remained unscathed, with the IAEA monitoring the situation.
Meteorological agencies warned that additional quakes of similar intensity could occur in the coming days, urging residents to stay vigilant as temperatures remained high and heat-related risks rose.