A powerful earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday, killing at least 3 people and prompting evacuation orders for roughly 300,000 residents. The earthquake, which measured 7.1 in magnitude, struck near Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu at approximately 4:27 p.m. local time.

Damage and Injuries

Two women in their 20s died after an explosion tore through the Aeon Mall Kumamoto following the earthquake. Rescuers removed eight people from the damaged shopping center, with five surviving with injuries and another person remaining in cardiopulmonary arrest. Another person died when a separate building collapsed near the earthquake’s epicenter.

The earthquake damaged roads, bridges, and buildings, while sparking fires and knocking out power to approximately 48,000 homes. Rail service across Kyushu stopped, including high-speed bullet trains, and Kumamoto Airport closed its runway, forcing airlines to divert or cancel flights.

Response and Relief Efforts

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said emergency crews would prioritize rescuing those trapped by collapsed structures. Firefighters, police officers, and members of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces worked through the night as aftershocks continued across the region.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned residents to remain alert for additional strong earthquakes and landslides for approximately one week. Authorities also warned residents about heat-related illness as temperatures were expected to reach 93 degrees Wednesday while thousands of homes remained without electricity.

Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.