A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday, injuring at least 50 people, disrupting transportation and trapping multiple people inside a partially collapsed shopping centre.
The quake hit near Kumamoto, prompting emergency crews to respond to widespread damage. Local media reported that several people were trapped inside the Aeon shopping centre after part of the building collapsed, with some outlets warning there are fears of fatalities.
The earthquake also knocked out electricity to approximately 40,000 homes and caused major transportation disruptions. Reports indicate a train derailed at Yatsushiro Station, while Shinkansen bullet train services and local rail operations across Kyushu were suspended for safety inspections.
Authorities also closed the runway at Aso Kumamoto Airport as inspections continued. Rescue teams remain on the scene searching for those trapped, while officials assess the full extent of the damage and casualties.
