Japan fears high death toll after powerful earthquake hits Kumamoto

The 7.1-magnitude earthquake caused significant destruction on Tuesday in Kumamoto, in the southwest of the archipelago. The death toll, which currently stands at at least 13, may rise further following a powerful explosion at a shopping mall.

The death toll from a strong earthquake that struck southwestern Japan climbed to 13 on Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said.

Dozens of people were hospitalized after the earthquake hit southern Japan. According to media reports, at least two women were killed after a shopping mall partially collapsed in the town of Kashima.

TOKYO -- A powerful earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.1 struck southwestern Japan's Kumamoto prefecture around 4:27 p.m. Tuesday.The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake originated in the Kumamoto region on the island of Kyushu at a depth of about 16 kilometers. It is the first quake in the country to r

Buildings and bridges collapse and blast reported at shopping centre as chipmaker TSMC evacuates workers from plant