A powerful earthquake struck Japan's Kyushu island on July 28, forcing more than 150,000 residents to evacuate their homes. The quake caused widespread power outages, damaged roads, partially collapsed a castle wall, and destroyed a footbridge.

According to Japan's public broadcaster NHK, over 40,000 households are without electricity. In Kumamoto prefecture, several people are missing after a chimney collapsed at a paper factory. Police are conducting search and rescue operations.

The Japanese government has set up an emergency task force and dispatched rescue teams to the affected area. Authorities have warned of potential aftershocks and urged residents to remain vigilant. The full extent of damage and casualties is still being assessed.

The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of Japan's high seismic activity. While timely evacuations likely prevented a higher death toll, the situation remains critical as rescue efforts continue.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk