Powerful 7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Japan, Leaving at Least 13 Dead

• Rescue teams across Japan's southern island of Kyushu are racing against time after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, killing at least 13 people, injuring dozens more, and leaving several others missing beneath collapsed buildings and industrial structures.

The earthquake, one of Japan's strongest since 2024, caused widespread destruction to homes, businesses, transport networks, and critical infrastructure. Violent shaking was felt across much of Kyushu, prompting thousands of residents to evacuate as aftershocks continued through the night.

Authorities have warned that additional strong aftershocks remain possible in the coming days and urged residents to remain alert.

Massive Rescue Operation Underway

Thousands of firefighters, police officers, members of Japan's Self-Defense Forces, and specialist search-and-rescue teams have been deployed throughout Kumamoto Prefecture.

One of the largest rescue operations is taking place at an Aeon shopping mall in Kashima, where a suspected gas explosion occurred shortly after the earthquake, causing part of the building to collapse. Emergency workers have rescued several survivors, although a number of people remain unaccounted for.

Another major rescue effort is underway at a Nippon Paper Industries facility in Yatsushiro, where a large industrial chimney collapsed during the earthquake, trapping workers beneath heavy debris.

Extensive Damage Across Kumamoto

Entire neighbourhoods sustained structural damage as buildings cracked, roads buckled, and utility infrastructure failed under the force of the earthquake.

Authorities reported that approximately 36,900 households lost electricity, while nearly 9,500 homes were left without gas supplies. Telecommunications services were also disrupted, making it difficult for residents to contact family members.

More than 9,000 residents have been relocated to emergency shelters, where local authorities are providing food, drinking water, blankets, medical assistance, and cooling facilities during the ongoing summer heatwave.

Transport Network Severely Disrupted

The earthquake caused widespread disruption to transportation throughout Kyushu.

Sections of Japan's renowned Shinkansen bullet train network were suspended while engineers inspected railway lines, tunnels, bridges, and stations for structural damage.

Several domestic flights were delayed or cancelled, while landslides and damaged roads forced the closure of sections of major highways, affecting emergency response and supply deliveries.

Businesses Suspend Operations

The disaster has also disrupted Japan's semiconductor and automotive industries, which have significant manufacturing operations in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Several companies temporarily suspended production to assess damage and ensure employee safety, including:

• Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)
• Renesas Electronics
• Toyota Motor Kyushu
• Honda Motor
• Mitsubishi Electric
• Ebara Corporation

Industry analysts warned that prolonged production interruptions could temporarily affect global semiconductor and automotive supply chains.

Historic Sites Damaged

The earthquake caused additional structural damage to Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's most significant historical landmarks.

The castle has been undergoing extensive restoration following the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. Engineers are now conducting new inspections to assess the latest damage.

Government Mobilises Emergency Response

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged the full support of the Japanese government, directing emergency agencies to prioritise rescue operations and provide immediate assistance to affected communities.

The government has mobilised disaster response teams, military personnel, emergency medical units, and relief supplies while urging residents to remain vigilant because of continuing aftershocks and the risk of landslides in mountainous areas.

Japan's Preparedness Once Again Tested

Japan is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world's most seismically active regions where several tectonic plates converge.

Strict building regulations, sophisticated earthquake early warning systems, and regular emergency preparedness drills have helped reduce casualties during major earthquakes, although disasters of this magnitude continue to pose serious risks.

Recovery Expected to Take Months

As rescue teams continue searching for survivors, authorities have begun assessing the full extent of the damage and restoring electricity, gas, water, communications, and transportation services.

Engineers are inspecting thousands of buildings before residents are allowed to return, while local governments coordinate long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Officials caution that the full human and economic impact of the earthquake may not be known for several days as assessments continue across Kumamoto and neighbouring prefectures.

For now, Japan's immediate priority remains saving lives, supporting displaced residents, and helping affected communities recover from one of the country's most destructive earthquakes in recent years.

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