At least 23 people are feared dead following a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck southwestern Japan, as rescue teams continue searching through collapsed structures for survivors. Emergency workers have been conducting operations at the damaged Aeon shopping mall in Kashima, Kumamoto region, where a suspected gas explosion caused severe destruction and trapped several people beneath the wreckage. According to the latest update from the Kumamoto disaster management office, the death toll has reached 17, while six people have been reported without vital signs.

Authorities said another five people remain in critical condition, raising fears that the final number of casualties could increase as rescue operations continue. Hundreds of rescue personnel have been working through unstable debris at the shopping mall for a second consecutive day, attempting to locate and evacuate anyone who may still be trapped. Officials said the operation has been complicated by the scale of destruction caused by the earthquake and the damage to the building structure. An official from the Kumamoto disaster management office told AFP that rescuers had recovered 10 people from the mall site.

Of those, four were confirmed dead, one person was found without vital signs, and five others suffered serious or minor injuries. Authorities said teams remain focused on carefully searching the damaged sections of the building. The earthquake, which struck on Tuesday, caused widespread destruction across Kyushu island, one of Japan’s major islands. The tremor damaged homes, destroyed bridges, triggered fires and disrupted essential services, leaving tens of thousands of residents without electricity and water supplies. Japan, one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries, has extensive disaster preparedness systems due to its location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire".

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However, powerful earthquakes continue to pose major risks, particularly when they trigger building collapses, landslides and damage to critical infrastructure. Emergency shelters have been set up for residents affected by the disaster, while local authorities are working to provide food, medical assistance and other essential supplies. Rescue teams, including firefighters, police personnel and disaster response units, have been deployed across affected areas to assess damage and assist communities. The earthquake has also raised concerns over possible aftershocks, which can create additional risks for damaged buildings and hinder rescue operations.

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid unstable structures until safety assessments are completed. Japan’s government and local agencies are closely monitoring the situation as recovery efforts continue. Officials are assessing the full extent of the damage, including the impact on infrastructure, housing and public facilities. As rescue operations continue in Kumamoto, families of missing residents are awaiting updates from authorities. Search teams remain committed to finding possible survivors while managing the challenges posed by the widespread destruction caused by the powerful earthquake.

Also Read: Powerful 7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Kills 13, Triggers Widespread Destruction Across Japan