A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture has caused widespread destruction.
About an hour after the tremors, a strong explosion occurred at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto shopping center. During the incident, part of the building's second floor collapsed, and people are reported to be trapped under the rubble.
According to preliminary information, the earthquake was recorded at 16:27 local time. Although evacuation efforts began at the shopping center immediately after the natural disaster, the explosion occurred about an hour later. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion, followed by thick smoke rising from the building. While the cause of the explosion has not yet been officially announced, preliminary estimates suggest the incident may be related to a gas leak.
The Japanese government has deployed thousands of rescuers and military personnel to the region. Rescue operations are ongoing, and a search is underway for those trapped under the rubble. Official institutions have not yet announced the exact number of dead and injured. At the same time, tens of thousands of homes have been left without electricity, roads have been damaged, and serious disruptions have occurred in railway and air transport.
The tsunami warning issued after the earthquake was later canceled.