A 7.1-magnitude earthquake rocked Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu on July 28, causing the collapse of part of a shopping center.
Multiple people were trapped inside the building, and around 20 to 30 workers at the shopping mall were unaccounted for after an explosion sounded in the aftermath of the quake, according to initial reports.
Dozens of people are missing or injured in the southern Kumamoto Prefecture, and a tsunami advisory was issued but lifted shortly after.
Local news outlets reported that at least 40 people were injured, and about 50 more were taken to a hospital nearby. Their conditions are unknown.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said authorities were attempting to assess the extent of the damage.
“We have already been informed that people have been injured. Power outages and fires have occurred in some areas, and there has also been damage to roads and bridges and the collapse of buildings,” Takaichi said.
“I ask everyone to take action to protect themselves, including evacuating to a safe location.”
Roughly 300,000 people have been sent to evacuation centers, and the military has deployed hundreds of soldiers to engage in rescue operations as aftershocks continue to hit the area.
Local news outlets cited police reports that indicated several deaths or presumed deaths.
A mall spokesperson said customers and employees were evacuated after the initial quake, but the cause of the explosion was unclear.
In an X post, the U.S. Forces Japan said they were aware of the earthquake and were in touch with partners in the Japan Self-Defense Forces.
“Initial reports indicate no damage to any U.S. facilities in the region,” the post said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with our Japanese hosts.”
Takaichi asked residents to be on the lookout for additional quakes over the next few weeks, possibly some with a magnitude almost as large.
The prime minister also warned about dangers from power outages, including possible heat stroke.
According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, there has been no reported damage to major public infrastructure.
However, a train derailed at the Yatsushiro station, which damaged stone walls at Kumamoto Castle.
Additionally, Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority has reported no abnormalities at three nearby nuclear power plants.
International figures have signaled support for the nation, including Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.).
“Anne and I are praying for the people of Kumamoto and all of Japan as they confront the devastating impacts of this earthquake,” Scott said in a post to X.
“We stand with our great friends and exemplary allies in Japan during this difficult time and are grateful to the first responders working tirelessly to save lives as we speak.”
