At least 13 people have died following a 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Kumamoto, Japan. Authorities are working tirelessly to find survivors as they assess the extensive damage caused by the quake.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reported that the earthquake has led to serious casualties, including fatalities, collapsed homes, fires, and damaged roads. The situation remains critical, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

Reports indicate that a shopping center in the town of Kashima suffered severe damage due to a gas explosion triggered by the earthquake, causing the roof and walls to collapse. Fortunately, the explosion occurred after customers and staff had evacuated. A local official confirmed that eight individuals were rescued from the shopping center, with five sustaining injuries. Initial estimates suggested that 20 to 30 people might be trapped inside, but local police later indicated that the actual number is lower.

The earthquake also caused power outages affecting nearly 37,000 households in Kumamoto as of the morning of July 29. This region is not unfamiliar with seismic activity; Kumamoto experienced two significant earthquakes in 2016 that resulted in 273 deaths.

Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, located at the intersection of four tectonic plates along the Pacific Ring of Fire. With a population of approximately 125 million, Japan experiences hundreds of earthquakes each year, accounting for about 18% of the world's seismic activity. While most quakes are minor, the level of destruction can vary significantly depending on the location and depth of the epicenter.

As rescue efforts continue, the nation remains on high alert for aftershocks and further potential hazards.