A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu on Tuesday, causing widespread damage, trapping people beneath collapsed buildings and prompting evacuation advisories for more than 260,000 residents.
Emergency crews launched search-and-rescue operations after portions of a shopping mall and a paper factory collapsed in Kumamoto Prefecture. Officials said dozens of people were injured or missing, while there were fears that at least two people had died. The reported deaths had not been officially confirmed at the time of publication.
A tsunami advisory issued for parts of western Kyushu was lifted within about two hours after the quake, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Shopping Mall Collapse Leaves People Trapped
In Kashima Town, part of the second floor of the Aeon Mall shopping center collapsed during the earthquake.
Emergency officials said four people were rescued with injuries and transported to a hospital. Authorities were continuing to search for approximately 10 people who remained unaccounted for as damage assessments continued.
Rescue teams were working to determine whether additional people were trapped beneath the debris.
Paper Factory Collapse Raises Fears of Fatalities
The earthquake also caused significant damage at Nippon Paper Industries’ Yatsushiro factory, where a large chimney collapsed.
According to Kumamoto’s emergency response team, 11 people were trapped beneath the debris. Two individuals were later found without vital signs, while the conditions of the remaining nine people were not immediately known.
Officials had not independently confirmed fatalities as rescue efforts continued.
Hundreds of Thousands Advised to Evacuate
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said more than 260,000 people were advised to evacuate, primarily in Kumamoto Prefecture and neighboring Nagasaki Prefecture.
Authorities urged residents in affected areas to remain alert for aftershocks and to follow evacuation guidance as emergency crews responded to damage reports.
The earthquake struck approximately 540 miles southwest of Tokyo.
Infrastructure and Transportation Disrupted
The earthquake caused damage to roads, bridges and buildings, according to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who also said officials received reports of power outages and fires. The full extent of the damage was still being assessed.
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said there were no reports of major damage to critical public infrastructure.
The Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority reported no abnormalities at three nearby nuclear power plants.
Transportation across Kyushu was significantly disrupted.
Shinkansen bullet train services and local rail lines were suspended while safety inspections were carried out. Aso Kumamoto Airport closed its runway, with airport officials saying there was no immediate timeline for resuming operations.
Kyodo News also reported that a train derailed and tipped onto its side at Yatsushiro Station. Stone walls at Kumamoto Castle, a landmark still undergoing repairs following the devastating 2016 earthquake, also sustained damage.
Major Manufacturers Suspend Operations
Several major manufacturers temporarily halted operations following the earthquake.
Toyota Motor Corp. suspended production at three factories in Kyushu because of safety concerns. The automaker said no injuries or facility damage had been reported and planned to resume operations on Wednesday.
Honda Motor Co. and Nippon Paper also suspended operations.
Meanwhile, Yamato Transport Co. halted package deliveries into and out of Kumamoto, according to Nikkei.
Military and Emergency Response
Japan’s Defense Ministry dispatched military aircraft to survey the disaster area and assist with damage assessments.
Hospitals across the region treated large numbers of injured residents. According to Kyodo News, one hospital in Yatsushiro received about 40 injured patients, while another hospital in Kumamoto admitted approximately 50 people.
Officials continued assessing structural damage and conducting rescue operations throughout the day.
Residents Recall Devastating 2016 Earthquake
Many residents compared Tuesday’s earthquake to the deadly Kumamoto earthquake in 2016, which killed at least 50 people.
“The shaking reminded me of the Kumamoto quake [10 years ago] and I was frightened,” Hiroki Shimoda, an official at Mifune Town Hall, said after witnessing roof tiles falling from nearby homes.
Japan Meteorological Agency official Shinji Kiyomoto urged residents to remain cautious over the next two to three days because of the possibility of strong aftershocks.
Background
Japan is among the world’s most earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Strict building standards and regular disaster preparedness drills have helped reduce casualties during major earthquakes, though powerful tremors can still cause significant damage and disruption.
The region was previously devastated by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, which caused widespread destruction and claimed dozens of lives.
Why It Matters
The earthquake highlights Japan’s continued vulnerability to major seismic events despite its advanced disaster preparedness systems.
The disruption to transportation, manufacturing and logistics could have broader economic impacts if damage assessments lead to prolonged closures.
What’s Next
Authorities will continue rescue operations, inspect damaged infrastructure and monitor aftershocks over the coming days.
Officials are expected to release updated casualty figures and damage assessments as search efforts continue.
Conclusion
A powerful earthquake has left parts of Japan’s Kyushu region dealing with collapsed buildings, transportation disruptions and large-scale emergency operations. While many residents have been evacuated and rescue teams continue searching for those trapped, authorities are still determining the full extent of the damage.
This is a developing story and may be updated as more information becomes available.
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