A powerful earthquake has struck southern Japan, causing major damage across Kumamoto Prefecture and nearby regions. The quake hit with a magnitude of 7.1 on Japan’s scale, 6.8 on the US scale, and the shaking lasted around sixteen seconds. Cities from Kumamoto to Nagasaki and Kagoshima felt the impact, with buildings collapsing, roads cracking open, and fires breaking out in several neighborhoods. A large shopping mall in Kumamoto City partially collapsed after a gas explosion tore through the structure, trapping shoppers and workers inside. Rescue teams pulled multiple people from the rubble, but several victims died from injuries caused by the blast. Thousands of homes lost power, and more than two hundred sixty thousand people were ordered to evacuate as aftershocks continued throughout the day. Emergency crews are working nonstop as more than one hundred aftershocks continue to shake the region. Shelters have opened in schools and community centers, where families are receiving water, blankets, and medical care. Engineers are inspecting bridges, train lines, and power stations after reports of landslides and ground liquefaction caused by the quake. A chimney collapse at a paper mill killed several workers, and authorities are still searching for missing staff. Officials warn that strong aftershocks may continue for days, and they are urging residents to stay away from damaged buildings and follow evacuation orders. The next twenty four hours remain critical as crews assess the full scale of destruction and continue rescue operations.
