In Focus: Magnitude-7.1 earthquake jolts Kumamoto

TOKYO -- An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.1 struck southwestern Japan's Kumamoto prefecture around 4:27 p.m. on Tuesday.The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake originated under the southern main island of Kyushu at a depth of about 16 kilometers. It is the first quake in the country to reach the maximum intensity of 7 on Japan's seismic scale since one struck the Noto Peninsula on New Year's Day in 2024.The agency warned that strong temblors may continue for about a week and especially over the next two to three days.Following the quake, an explosion occurred at Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Part of the second floor collapsed, trapping many people inside. Eight people were rescued, while two deaths and one case of