A powerful earthquake struck Japan’s Kumamoto region on the southern island of Kyushu, causing widespread destruction and triggering the collapse of part of a shopping mall. Authorities say several people have died, while rescue teams continue searching for dozens believed trapped inside the damaged building.

The earthquake, initially reported as magnitude 7.1 by the Japan Meteorological Agency, caused the second floor of AEON Mall in Kashima Town to collapse. Reports indicate that up to 30 people are missing, including several mall employees. Firefighters responded quickly, but heavy damage has made rescue efforts difficult because crews have been unable to safely enter parts of the building.

Police said about 200 people had gathered in the mall’s parking lot after the earthquake when an explosion occurred at the site. Officials believe there may be many fatalities, but they have not confirmed the exact death toll as search operations continue.

The quake caused extensive damage across Kumamoto Prefecture. Buildings collapsed, fires broke out, and more than 100 people suffered injuries. One person died when a house collapsed, while authorities also reported several people missing at a factory in Yatsushiro City after part of a chimney fell.

Television footage showed damaged bridges, a derailed cargo train, cracked roads, and homes left on the verge of collapse. Dust clouds also rose around the historic Kumamoto Castle as sections of its stone walls appeared to crumble during the shaking. Parts of the Kyushu Expressway also collapsed, leaving major gaps in the roadway.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government had received reports of injuries, fires, power outages, and serious damage to roads, bridges, and buildings. Around 300,000 people have been urged to evacuate to emergency shelters as aftershocks continue to affect the region. Hundreds of soldiers have also been deployed to assist with rescue and relief operations.

Kyushu Electric Power reported that about 40,000 homes lost electricity following the quake. Railway operator JR Kyushu suspended train services, including its high-speed bullet trains, while Kumamoto Airport closed its runway, forcing flight cancellations and diversions.

Officials said there were no immediate reports of problems at Japan’s nuclear power plants. The U.S. Geological Survey later revised the earthquake’s magnitude to 6.8.

Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries because it sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire. The country experiences hundreds of earthquakes each year, although most are minor. Rescue teams remain at the scene as they continue searching for survivors inside the collapsed shopping mall.