Key facts
- A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture.
- The earthquake registered the maximum seismic intensity of 7.
- Widespread damage occurred, including collapsed buildings and damaged roads.
- Tens of thousands lost electricity.
- A tsunami warning was issued and subsequently lifted.
- At least 13 people have died.
- At least 50 people have been injured.
- Some people were trapped in a collapsed shopping mall.
- An explosion occurred at the partially collapsed mall.
- Operations at TSMC and Toyota were disrupted.
- The earthquake was felt in parts of South Korea.
A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake has struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu island, registering the maximum seismic intensity of 7. The tremor caused widespread damage, including collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and significant infrastructure failures. Tens of thousands lost electricity following the quake. A tsunami warning was issued for the southern coast of Japan but was later lifted. Rescue efforts are underway for those trapped in collapsed structures, including a shopping complex whose second floor collapsed, trapping people inside. An explosion occurred at the partially collapsed mall. The earthquake has claimed at least 13 lives and injured at least 50 people. Operations at major companies, including TSMC and Toyota, were disrupted. The earthquake was also felt in parts of South Korea, with authorities in Busan receiving numerous calls reporting the tremor. A Hongkonger living in Kumamoto described the event as a frightening ordeal.