Japan earthquake: fatalities reported after explosion, collapse at Kyushu mall VIDEO / UPDATED

An explosion at a shopping centre in Japan following a powerful earthquake has left people dead, local broadcaster Fuji TV reported, citing sources.

According to NHK, the second floor of the shopping centre collapsed, leaving many people trapped under the debris. Around 200 people were evacuated, and reports of injuries have emerged.

The explosion occurred on July 28 at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto shopping centre in Kumamoto Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu, after a strong earthquake struck the area.

Media reports said that at around 6:00 pm local time, fire services received several calls reporting an explosion-like sound inside the building and smoke rising from the site.

Helicopter footage showed that part of the shopping centre’s exterior wall had collapsed, exposing metal structures. Debris resembling part of the roof and a hole in the building’s rooftop were also visible.

13:48

The 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan's Kyushu island has caused injuries to more than 50 people, with some areas experiencing fires and power outages, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said.

The PM noted that the government is still assessing the full extent of the casualties and has already confirmed damage to roads and bridges and building collapses, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“We are still assessing the full extent of the casualties, but we have already received reports of injuries. Some areas have experienced fires and power outages, while damage to roads and bridges and building collapses have also been confirmed,” she added.

More than 50 people were injured and taken to hospitals following the earthquake, citing the Yatsushiro Medical Centre in the town of Hikawa, Kumamoto Prefecture. No further details on the victims' conditions were immediately available.

The earthquake struck near Kumamoto Prefecture.

Authorities issued a 1-metre tsunami warning for coastal areas along Ariake Bay and Yatsushiro Bay.

12:53

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu island on July 28, triggering tsunami warnings and prompting emergency alerts across seven prefectures, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The JMA warned that tsunami waves of up to one metre could reach the coastlines of Ariake and Yatsushiro bays.

The Japanese government issued emergency earthquake alerts for Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita and Miyazaki prefectures, while emergency services were placed on heightened alert.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or widespread damage.

Local media reported that the historic Kumamoto Castle may have sustained damage during the quake. Live television footage showed clouds of dust rising from the area around the castle shortly after the tremor.

The castle administration has not confirmed any structural damage but announced that the surrounding park has been closed as inspections continue.

Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's best-known feudal fortresses, was built in the early 17th century and attracts more than 1.5 million visitors each year. Known as the "Crow Castle" for its black exterior, it suffered extensive damage during the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, when sections of its stone walls and roof tiles collapsed.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and assess the impact of the earthquake.

By Aghakazim Guliyev