At least five people died after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan on Wednesday, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported. Two of the victims were women killed when a shopping mall partially collapsed in the town of Kashima, according to local media. Dozens more were hospitalized with injuries across the affected region.
The earthquake, centered near Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu, caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. Rescue teams have been deployed to search for survivors trapped under debris. The collapsed mall in Kashima is one of several structures that suffered severe damage.
Authorities warned of possible aftershocks and urged residents to remain cautious. The quake also triggered landslides in some areas, blocking roads and complicating rescue efforts. The full extent of casualties and destruction is still being assessed.
Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent seismic activity. The 7.1-magnitude event is one of the strongest recorded in the region in years. Local officials are coordinating emergency response and relief operations.