A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake has struck southwestern Japan, killing at least 13 people and leaving widespread destruction across Kumamoto Prefecture. The quake toppled buildings, damaged roads and bridges, derailed a cargo train, and sparked multiple fires. Authorities say a gas leak likely triggered a deadly explosion at a shopping mall, where several people remain missing.

Around 300,000 residents have been urged to evacuate as strong aftershocks continue to shake the region. Rescue teams, supported by Japan's military, are carrying out search and relief operations while officials assess the damage. The historic Kumamoto Castle has also suffered fresh damage, years after the devastating 2016 earthquakes.

Japan Hit by Devastating 7.1 Earthquake | Death Toll Rises, Rescue Operations Underway

A strong 6.2 magnitude earthquake jolts western Japan, rattling homes and sending furniture toppling in some areas.

6.2 magnitude quake rattles western Japan's Shimane Prefecture. Is there a tsunami warning?

Earthquake of 7.6 magnitude hits Japan, tsunami warning issued

Additionally, Akusekijima was rocked by two more tremors overnight. The first, at 12:08 am, measured 4, followed by a slightly stronger quake at 12:12 am, which registered a lower 5 on the intensity scale.

Earthquake of magnitude 4.5 hits Japan's Tokara Islands, Akusekijima records multiple jolts

Japan lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most earthquake-prone zones in the world. If a magnitude 9+ quake hits the Nankai Trough, experts say it could trigger a mega-tsunami racing toward Tokyo Bay at jet speed.

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In August 1945, Japan became the first and only nation to suffer nuclear attacks. The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki obliterated both cities within seconds, killing more than 200,000 people through the blasts, radiation, and long-term health effects.

God’s hand? 5 mega-disasters that couldn’t destroy Japan

The eruption follows a recent string of seismic events that have heightened public anxiety, particularly amid viral speculation linked to a long-standing prediction by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, who allegedly foresaw a catastrophic event occurring on 5 July 2025.

Mount Shinmoedake erupts in Japan just as Ryo Tatsuki’s ‘mega disaster’ warning looms

A small tsunami was observed on the remote Japanese island of Hachijojima on Tuesday, the weather agency said, after a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck near the Izu Islands chain.

Tsunami alert issued in Japan following 5.6-magnitude earthquake

The death toll from the major earthquake, that rocked Japan on Monday (Jan 1), reached 126 on Saturday (Jan 6) as the rescuers combed through debris to recover trapped bodies.

Death toll in Japan earthquake reaches 126 as harsh weather conditions hamper rescue efforts

The new year started on a sombre note for Japan as at approximately 4:10 pm on January 1, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake shook the Noto Peninsula, located on the west coast of the quake-prone country.

Data Lab: Japan felt its biggest west coast quake in 125 years, but it wasn’t a replay of Turkey’s tragedy

India's National Centre for Seismology (NCS) informed that an earthquake of magnitude 6.3 on the Richter scale occurred in Japan's Kuril Islands on Thursday (Dec 28).

Earthquake of magnitude 6.3 strikes Japan's Kuril Islands

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 struck northern Japan's Hokkaido prefecture on Sunday evening, as per Japan Meteorological Agency. The earthquake's epicentre was off the coast of the town of Urakawa.

Strong earthquake of 6.2 magnitude jolts Japan’s Hokkaido

An earthquake of 6.3 magnitude at a depth of 10 kilometres in Ishikawa Prefecture rocked central Japan Friday, killing at least one person and injuring 13 others.

1 killed, 13 injured in 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Japan

The world's top-selling automaker Toyota said Friday it will halt operations on the majority of its Japanese production lines for three days as parts supply is hit by a recent powerful earthquake.

Toyota pauses most Japan production after quake

Just days after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the South Pacific, a shallow 6.2-magnitude quake struck off Vanuatu's capital Port Vila. There was no tsunami warning sounded.

Strong 6.2-magnitude quake rocks Vanuatu capital Port Vila in South Pacific

A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Japan early Monday, according to the US Geological Survey, but no tsunami warning was issued. The epicenter of the earthquake was 41.

6.4 magnitude quake strikes off Japan coast: USGS

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