A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday, causing the second floor of the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto to collapse, leaving many people trapped inside, according to the fire department.

The quake hit inland on Kyushu island at 16:27 local time (07:27 GMT), prompting evacuation orders for over 150,000 residents. A brief tsunami warning was issued but lifted within an hour.

Footage from national broadcaster NHK showed cracked roads and bridges, as well as several buildings on fire. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the extent of injuries and damage was still being assessed. At least 10 people were injured at an elderly care home, and 50 were being treated in hospitals.

Train services were suspended, and thousands of homes lost power. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said first responders, including the Self-Defense Forces, fire services, and coast guard, had been deployed.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant, located about 100 km from the epicenter, sustained no damage and continued operating safely.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk