A powerful earthquake struck Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture on the Kyushu island late on Tuesday, with sources reporting varying magnitude measurements ranging from 6.8 to 7.1. The quake caused widespread damage including building collapses, fires, and sparked a tsunami alert. At least two deaths have been confirmed, with more than 100 people injured across the region.
A shopping mall in Kumamoto was particularly affected by the earthquake, with authorities reporting that many people were trapped inside following structural damage, particularly to the second floor. Some sources indicated up to 30 employees were unaccounted for at the facility. Notably, the mall had recently reopened following reconstruction after damage from a 2016 earthquake, and the latest disaster struck just weeks after its grand reopening.
The earthquake caused significant disruptions to infrastructure and services across the region. Kyushu Electric Power reported that approximately 48,000 homes lost power, while railway operator JR Kyushu suspended services including high-speed bullet trains. Kumamoto airport also closed its runway, leading airlines to divert or cancel flights. Rescue operations were underway as aftershocks continued to rattle the area.
Sources
- The Guardian World
- Al Jazeera
- Al Jazeera (2)
- Fox News World
- The Guardian World (2)
- BBC World
- France24
- France24 (2)
- France24 (3)
- Sky News World
Featured photo by Emad El Byed on Unsplash