A magnitude 7.1 earthquake has struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto Prefecture, causing widespread damage, power outages and road disruptions. The earthquake also triggered a blast at a shopping mall, where police said several people were presumed dead and others remained trapped.
Around 20 to 30 workers were reportedly unaccounted for at the prefecture’s largest shopping mall after the explosion occurred in the aftermath of the earthquake, according to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK. Rescue teams were working to reach people believed to be trapped inside the damaged building.
More than 50 people were reported injured at one hospital, while another medical facility received around 40 injured people, including 10 in serious condition. Several other people were also hurt after the powerful tremors caused a high-speed train to derail.
A tsunami warning was initially issued following the earthquake but was later lifted. Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority also said that no abnormalities had been detected at three nearby nuclear power plants.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents in affected areas to evacuate to safe locations and warned people to remain vigilant because another earthquake of a similar magnitude could occur. Authorities were continuing to assess the extent of the damage and carry out rescue operations.