Two Dead After 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan's Kumamoto

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday afternoon, causing the collapse of a shopping mall in Kashima Town where at least two women were confirmed dead.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi established a government task force to manage rescue operations after the tremor toppled buildings, sparked fires, and left over 100 people injured across the region.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas following the quake, though the alert was lifted within two hours of the initial impact.