Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Hits Kumamoto, Japan, Causing Injuries and Damage

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto on Japan's southern island of Kyushu late Tuesday afternoon, resulting in injuries and significant damage, according to local officials.

The earthquake caused the second floor of the Aeon Mall shopping center in Kashima Town to collapse, trapping an unknown number of individuals inside. Rescue operations are currently underway, as reported by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

Prior to the collapse at the shopping center, there were reports of an explosion, according to Kyodo News Agency.

Initially, the U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake's magnitude as 7.1, but later revised it to 6.8. A tsunami advisory was briefly issued for the nearby Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas but was lifted within two hours, as confirmed by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced that her government has established a task force to gather information and assess potential damage. She indicated that there have been numerous reports of injuries, as well as damage to infrastructure including roads, bridges, and buildings, alongside instances of blackouts and fires.

A hospital in Yatsushiro city has treated approximately 40 individuals for injuries related to the quake. Additionally, a train derailed at Yatsushiro station, and damage was reported at Kumamoto Castle.

Local officials, including Hiroki Shimoda from Mifune town, expressed concern over the damage, recalling the devastating Kumamoto earthquake from 2016 that resulted in over 50 fatalities.

Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency has stated that there have been no reports of damage to major public facilities or infrastructure, although local fire departments are responding to numerous emergency calls.

Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety and urged residents in affected areas to remain cautious due to the potential for aftershocks. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned residents to be vigilant over the next few days as seismic activity continues.

In terms of transportation, Shinkansen bullet trains and local train services in Kyushu have been suspended for safety inspections, and Aso Kumamoto Airport's runway is closed with no immediate plans for resumption of operations.

The Japanese Defense Ministry has dispatched aircraft to the region to evaluate the situation further.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).