Several people are trapped inside a shopping centre after a strong earthquake hit south-west Japan, officials say.
Some local media reports that there was an explosion at the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto, following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake.
The quake hit inland on Kyushu island at 16:27 local time (07:27 GMT), with more than 150,000 people being told to move to evacuation shelters. There was a brief tsunami warning that was lifted within the hour.
Emergency services said “many people” were trapped inside the Aeon Mall in the Kumamoto region.
In the town of Kashima, “a shopping complex’s second floor collapsed, leaving many people trapped inside,” the fire department said in a statement.
Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, experiencing about 1,500 quakes a year.
The meteorological agency has warned of strong aftershocks given the shallow epicentre – 10km (six miles). Footage aired by national broadcaster NHK shows cracked roads and bridges and several buildings on fire.
“We are still assessing the extent of injuries and property damage, but I have been informed that there have already been several injuries,” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Tuesday.
About 10 of the injured were in an elderly care home and at least 50 people are being treated in hospital, NHK reported.
Train services have been suspended and electricity has been cut off for thousands of homes.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said first responders had been deployed, including Japan’s self-defence force, fire services and coast guard.
“We urge residents in areas where the shaking was particularly severe to pay close attention to evacuation information issued by local authorities via radio, television and the internet, and to act calmly,” he said.
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- Japan
- Earthquakes
