Deadly 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan, Trapping Many in Collapsed Mall

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan's southern Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, causing significant damage and leaving numerous people trapped. The tremor, which registered a maximum intensity of 7 on Japan's Shindo scale, led to the partial collapse of the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima Town, where an explosion was also reported. Emergency services are currently engaged in rescue operations at the site.

The earthquake has resulted in at least 50 reported injuries and widespread disruption across the region. Authorities have confirmed multiple fires, extensive damage to roads and bridges, and power outages affecting thousands of homes. While a tsunami advisory was initially issued for the southwestern coastlines, it was subsequently lifted.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the full extent of casualties and property damage is still being assessed as emergency crews continue their efforts. The region, part of Japan's seismically active "Ring of Fire," experiences frequent earthquakes, though the majority are less severe.