Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Devastates Japan

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Japan's southern Kyushu island on Tuesday, causing widespread damage and casualties.

At the Aeon Mall in Kashima town, the second floor collapsed, trapping shoppers and causing multiple deaths, while rescue operations continued through the day.

The tremor also damaged historic sites such as Kumamoto Castle, derailed a train, and left thousands without power, though a brief tsunami advisory was lifted within hours.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed authorities were assessing the full extent of the destruction amid aftershock warnings.