Japan's Kumamoto Earthquake: What Happened, Damage, Casualties and Latest Updates
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kyushu island, triggering building collapses, fires and widespread destruction
A powerful earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on the southwestern island of Kyushu on Tuesday, killing at least 13 people, injuring dozens and causing widespread destruction. Buildings collapsed, fires broke out, roads cracked and tens of thousands of households lost electricity as rescue teams raced to find survivors.
What happened in Japan?
The earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture at 4:30 p.m. local time (07:30 GMT) on Tuesday. It was initially reported as a magnitude 7.1 quake before the US Geological Survey (USGS) revised its magnitude to 6.8.
A tsunami advisory was briefly issued following the quake but was later lifted.
The powerful tremor caused widespread structural damage, triggered fires in Kumamoto City, trapped shoppers inside a partially collapsed shopping mall, damaged roads and disrupted electricity supplies across the region.
Shortly after midnight on Wednesday (15:15 GMT Tuesday), a magnitude 4.1 aftershock struck the area, with authorities warning that additional strong aftershocks could continue for several days.
Where did the earthquake hit?
According to the USGS, the earthquake's epicenter was near the coastal city of Uto, about 48 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Kumamoto City.
Kumamoto is located on Kyushu, Japan's southwestern main island, roughly 90 kilometers (55 miles) east of Nagasaki. Kumamoto City has an estimated population of around 700,000 people.
Officials also confirmed that no abnormalities were detected at the nearby Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in neighboring Kagoshima Prefecture following the earthquake.
How powerful was the earthquake?
The earthquake was strong enough to be felt across parts of South Korea.
It caused extensive infrastructure damage throughout Kumamoto Prefecture. Television footage showed sections of the Kyushu Expressway split apart, while part of the historic Kumamoto Castle's outer wall collapsed.
Authorities continue to inspect bridges, roads and buildings to determine the full extent of the damage.
What damage did the earthquake cause?
One of the worst-hit locations was the Aeon shopping mall in Kumamoto City.
Part of the mall's second floor collapsed before a powerful explosion ripped through the building about an hour later, blowing out walls and exposing its steel framework.
Employees had evacuated approximately 200 shoppers immediately after the earthquake. However, 20 to 30 employees were initially reported missing. Witnesses also reported smelling gas before the explosion, although investigators have not yet determined its cause.
The shopping mall had reopened only last month after being rebuilt following the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, making the latest destruction particularly symbolic for the community.
Elsewhere, roads cracked, buildings suffered heavy structural damage, fires broke out across the city and more than 36,000 households were left without electricity.
What do we know about the victims?
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the death toll had risen to 13, warning that rescue operations remained a race against time.
"Even now, there are people waiting to be rescued, and this is a race against time."
Local media reported that two women in their 20s were found dead inside the partially collapsed shopping mall early Wednesday.
Hospitals treated dozens of injured people. One medical facility received more than 50 patients, while another treated around 40, including 10 people in serious condition.
Authorities have instructed approximately 260,000 residents to evacuate to emergency shelters.
What's the latest on the ground?
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that powerful aftershocks could continue for up to one week, with the greatest risk during the next two to three days.
Officials have also warned of an increased danger of landslides in heavily affected areas.
Power outages continue across thousands of homes, while temperatures are expected to reach 34°C (93°F), prompting concerns about heat-related illnesses among evacuees and rescue workers.
A hospital in Uki City, near the earthquake's epicenter, was forced to suspend operations after losing electricity.
Why is Japan prone to earthquakes?
Japan lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world's most seismically active regions, where the Pacific, Philippine Sea, Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.
The constant movement of these tectonic plates causes thousands of earthquakes every year. Although Japan's strict building codes and regular disaster preparedness drills have significantly reduced casualties, powerful earthquakes can still cause severe damage.
On average, minor tremors occur in Japan approximately every five minutes, making it one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.
