7.1 Earthquake in Japan

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto on Japan's southern main island of Kyushu on Tuesday afternoon, partially collapsing a mall and leaving shoppers trapped inside, according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK. Police said between 20 to 30 people are unaccounted for, NHK reported. Japan's fire and disaster management agency confirmed the second floor of a commercial facility collapsed in the town with multiple people trapped inside. One hospital reported more than 50 injuries, and several people on a high-speed train were also injured, according to NHK and Nikkei newspaper. A train derailed and fell on its side at Yatsushiro station, Kyodo News agency reported. Several people are missing after a chimney collapsed at a Nippon Paper Industries factory in Yatsushiro, NHK reported. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on X that her government has set up a task force to gather information and prepare for rescue operations. In remarks to reporters, Takaichi said the government would "spare no effort" in response measures with the highest priority placed on saving lives. She warned that earthquakes of similar intensity may continue over approximately the next week. A tsunami advisory was temporarily issued but lifted within two hours, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. The U.S. Geological Survey later revised the magnitude to 6.8. The International Atomic Energy Agency said the quake caused no damage or safety issues at the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant.