A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck south-west Japan on Tuesday, causing widespread damage and leading to evacuations across parts of Kyushu, officials said. Several people were reported trapped inside a shopping centre in Kumamoto after the quake, with local media reporting that an explosion occurred at the Aeon Mall. In Kashima, the fire department said a shopping complex’s second floor collapsed, trapping many people. The shaking began at 16:27 local time (07:27 GMT), with the epicentre located inland on Kyushu. The government said more than 150,000 people were told to move to evacuation shelters. A brief tsunami warning was issued but was lifted within an hour. Trapped shoppers and collapsed floorsEmergency services said many people were trapped inside the Aeon Mall in the Kumamoto region. Local reports also cited an explosion at the facility following the quake. In Kashima, the fire department stated that the second floor of a shopping complex had collapsed. Rescue teams were sent to the affected areas as authorities assessed the extent of the damage and attempted to reach those who were trapped. Aftershocks warning as damage reportedJapan’s meteorological agency warned of strong aftershocks, citing a shallow epicentre at a depth of 10km (six miles). Footage broadcast by NHK showed cracked roads and bridges, along with several buildings on fire. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government was still assessing injuries and property damage, but that she had been told several people had already been hurt. NHK reported that about 10 of the injured were in an elderly care home, and that at least 50 people were being treated in hospital. Transport disruptions and emergency responseTrain services were suspended and electricity supplies were cut for thousands of homes. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said first responders had been deployed, including Japan’s self-defence force, fire services and the coast guard. He urged residents in areas where the shaking had been strongest to closely follow evacuation information issued by local authorities via radio, television and the internet, and to act calmly. Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent earthquakes, with authorities estimating around 1,500 tremors each year. Nuclear plant unaffected, agency saysThe International Atomic Energy Agency said the earthquake caused no damage or safety issues at the Sendai nuclear power plant, located around 100km (62 miles) from the epicentre, and that it remains in operation. The agency said it would continue to monitor the situation. Join the discussion? 28 July 2026
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