A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday afternoon, causing extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure and resulting in at least 34 confirmed deaths. The quake occurred at 4:27 p.m. local time and led to widespread power outages affecting tens of thousands of homes in the region.

The seismic event triggered the collapse of several structures, including a shopping centre where an explosion was reported. Emergency response teams have been actively engaged in search and rescue operations, as authorities described the situation as a "race against time" to locate survivors trapped under debris.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the nation on Wednesday, emphasizing the urgency and scale of the rescue efforts. She noted the challenges faced due to the extent of the destruction and the ongoing aftershocks.

This earthquake is the most severe to hit Japan since the 2024 tremor on the Noto Peninsula, which caused hundreds of fatalities. Kumamoto itself experienced significant earthquakes in 2016, which also resulted in considerable damage and loss of life.

Officials continue to assess the full impact of the quake, with rescue teams working around the clock amid concerns about the potential for additional casualties. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious as aftershocks continue to pose risks to already weakened structures.