Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Hits Southern Japan; Thousands Displaced

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday, causing widespread infrastructure damage, power outages for 40,000 homes, and an explosion at an Aeon Mall.

The epicenter was located in Uki at a depth of 10km, with the disaster management agency instructing 300,000 people to evacuate as 3,600 soldiers were deployed for recovery.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned residents to remain vigilant for aftershocks, while transport services including Shinkansen bullet trains and Aso Kumamoto Airport operations remain suspended.