TOKYO: Japan Earthquake rescue efforts intensified on Tuesday after a powerful magnitude 7.1 quake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, damaging roads, disrupting transport and triggering a deadly explosion at a shopping mall where several people are feared dead and others remain trapped.

The earthquake hit southern Japan on Tuesday afternoon, knocking out electricity to nearly 48,000 homes and causing widespread structural damage across Kumamoto and neighboring prefectures. Authorities immediately issued a tsunami warning before lifting it after further assessments found no significant risk.

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Emergency services launched large-scale rescue operations after an explosion at the prefecture’s largest Aeon Mall. Public broadcaster NHK reported that 20 to 30 workers remained unaccounted for following the blast, while police feared several fatalities.

More than 100 words into the disaster response, Japan Earthquake officials said hospitals had received dozens of injured people. One medical facility reported treating more than 50 patients, while another admitted around 40 injured victims, including 10 in critical condition. Several passengers also suffered injuries after the quake derailed a high-speed Shinkansen train.

Rescue Operations Intensify

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that authorities had received reports of injuries, fires, power outages and extensive damage to roads, bridges and buildings.

She urged residents to evacuate to safe locations and remain alert for powerful aftershocks as emergency responders continued search-and-rescue operations.

Japan’s disaster management agency ordered approximately 300,000 people to evacuate to emergency shelters, while hundreds of military personnel deployed to assist recovery efforts.

Transport and Power Disrupted

Rail operator JR Kyushu suspended Shinkansen bullet train services and local rail operations for safety inspections.

Aso Kumamoto Airport also halted flights after closing its runway, with airport officials saying there was no timeline for resuming operations.

Kyushu Electric Power reported that nearly 48,000 households lost electricity following the earthquake.

Nuclear Plants Report No Damage

Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority said inspections found no abnormalities at three nearby nuclear power plants despite the strong tremors.

Authorities also lifted the earlier tsunami warning after confirming that coastal areas faced no immediate threat.

Businesses Assess Damage

Major manufacturers with operations in Kumamoto suspended normal activities to inspect facilities.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) confirmed that all employees at its Kumamoto plant were safe and said structural inspections had been completed while damage assessments continued.

Sony and Fujifilm also evacuated staff from nearby production facilities as a precaution.

Region Faces Continuing Risk

The earthquake’s epicenter was located near the city of Uki, about 20 kilometers south of Kumamoto City, at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers.

Japan sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. Officials warned residents to remain vigilant as strong aftershocks could continue in the coming days.

The latest disaster also revived memories of the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, which killed 275 people and injured more than 2,700. Officials confirmed that parts of the historic Kumamoto Castle, already undergoing repairs, suffered additional damage during Tuesday’s powerful quake.