TOKYO, July 28 (Agencies): Japan issued a tsunami alert after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit the country's southwest on Tuesday, knocking out power to thousands of households.
Dozens of people were hospitalised after the earthquake hit southern Japan. According to media reports, many were feared dead after a shopping mall partially collapsed in the town of Kashima.
Japan's public broadcaster, NHK, reported that "many people" were trapped inside an Aeon shopping mall damaged by the earthquake. Earlier, local police reported an explosion at the mall in Kashima Town.
According to local broadcaster TBS, police said "quite a few" were presumed dead in the incident.
Meanwhile, NHK reported that at least 50 people were hospitalized after the earthquake.
The tremor at 4:27 pm (0727 GMT) on the island of Kyushu also measured at the highest possible level seven on Japan's own Shindo scale of shaking, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
The tsunami could measure up to one metre (three feet), the agency said. Broadcaster NHK said that waves of up to that level may already have been recorded.
No immediate abnormalities were recorded at nuclear power plants, the Nuclear Regulation Authority said.
About 45,000 households and facilities have no power in the Kumamoto region, according to local utility Kyushu Electric Power.
The firm added that three nuclear reactors operating at the time in the region were continuing their normal operations.
Around half an hour after the quake, a local NHK staffer wearing a helmet reported live on air that the shaking was continuing, with the newsroom shaking so violently it was difficult to remain standing.
"Shaking is continuing as I speak. Including myself, there may be some people who feel their hearts racing," he said.
Japan issues tsunami alert after strong quake hits Kumamoto, many feared dead
FE Team | Published: July 28, 2026 22:37:29
Japan issues tsunami alert after strong quake hits Kumamoto, many feared dead
Share if you like