A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction across parts of the Kumamoto region. Buildings collapsed, fires broke out and transport infrastructure suffered major damage, while emergency services launched large-scale rescue operations. Police fear several people have died, although authorities have yet to confirm an official death toll.
Shopping centre collapse traps people
One of the most serious incidents occurred in the city of Kashima, where the second floor of a shopping centre reportedly collapsed following an explosion triggered by the earthquake. Rescue teams are working to reach people believed to be trapped inside the building.
According to Reuters, citing Japanese broadcaster TBS, local police fear multiple fatalities at the site. The exact number of people trapped remains unclear as search and rescue operations continue.
Dozens injured as emergency response intensifies
At least 50 people had been taken to hospital by late morning, according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK. Local fire departments reported receiving a large number of emergency calls immediately after the earthquake struck.
Firefighters, police and military personnel have been deployed across the affected areas to assess structural damage, extinguish fires and search collapsed buildings for survivors.
Authorities warned that the casualty figure could rise as rescue teams gain access to the worst-hit locations.
Buildings burn and bridges collapse
Television images broadcast by NHK showed extensive damage across the Kumamoto region, including burning buildings and several structures that had completely collapsed.
The earthquake also severely damaged transport infrastructure. Two parallel motorway bridges reportedly snapped in half, disrupting road access and complicating rescue efforts in several communities.
Engineers have begun inspecting additional bridges, railways and public buildings amid concerns about further structural failures.
Tsunami warning later lifted
Following the earthquake, Japanese authorities issued a tsunami warning for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas as a precaution.
The warning remained in effect for approximately two hours before being lifted after officials determined that no significant tsunami had developed.
Residents along coastal areas were initially advised to move to higher ground until the warning was cancelled.
Rescue operations continue
Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries and maintains some of the strictest building standards and emergency response systems. Nevertheless, powerful earthquakes continue to pose a serious threat, particularly when they strike densely populated areas.
Emergency services are expected to continue search and rescue operations throughout the day, while authorities work to determine the full extent of the destruction and confirm the number of casualties.
Newshub Editorial – Asia – July 28, 2026
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