Tokyo: At least five people have been killed after a powerful earthquake struck southwestern Japan, causing widespread destruction across the region.
The Japan Meteorological Agency measured the quake at magnitude 7.1, while the U.S. Geological Survey recorded it at 6.8. The earthquake hit Kumamoto Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu and was followed by several strong aftershocks, including one measuring magnitude 6.1.
The powerful tremors toppled buildings, sparked fires, damaged bridges, derailed a cargo train, and buckled roads. Authorities have urged around 300,000 residents to evacuate as concerns remain over continuing aftershocks.
Among the hardest-hit locations was a shopping mall in Kashima, where two people were killed after a gas leak is believed to have triggered an explosion about 30 minutes after the earthquake. Regional officials say 10 people remain missing at the site as rescue teams continue searching through the debris.
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The quake also caused fresh damage to the historic Kumamoto Castle, with part of its centuries-old moat wall collapsing. The landmark had already suffered extensive damage during the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes.
One resident described the frightening experience, saying, "I felt as if my body was hovering in mid-air, so at first I didn't realize it was an earthquake. It was only when I saw the wall collapse that I understood what was happening."
In response, Japan's Self-Defense Forces have deployed 3,600 personnel and 20 aircraft to assist with rescue operations and assess the damage.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi assured the nation that saving lives remains the government's highest priority.
"We will respond with the full force of the government, prioritizing human lives above all else," the prime minister said.
Officials have also confirmed that no abnormalities have been detected at nearby nuclear power plants, with all operating reactors functioning normally.
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Japan, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences hundreds of earthquakes each year. The latest disaster has revived memories of the catastrophic 2011 magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami, which claimed more than 19,000 lives and triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Rescue efforts continue as authorities race to locate those still missing and assess the full extent of the damage.
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