Japan hit by 7.1-magnitude earthquake, dozens injured as buildings, infrastructure suffer damage (VIDEO)

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, July 28, causing widespread damage to roads, bridges and buildings, disrupting power supply and injuring at least 50 people.

The strong tremor also led to the partial collapse of an Aeon shopping mall in Kashima Town, trapping several people beneath the debris. Local media further reported an explosion at the shopping complex as emergency responders raced to the scene.

Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning following the quake but later lifted the alert after further assessments.

More than 150,000 residents were advised to evacuate affected areas as emergency operations intensified. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi swiftly activated a government task force to oversee rescue efforts, coordinate relief operations and assess the extent of the damage.

Emergency services continued search-and-rescue operations while officials monitored the situation for possible aftershocks and additional hazards