Live updates: Japan earthquake; Many people trapped in collapsed shopping mall

Emergency crews are working through the night in Kumamoto following a magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck the southern region of Japan on Tuesday. The quake caused significant damage to infrastructure, including a buckled highway bridge and a partial collapse at the Aeon Mall. Early reports indicate multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries as responders attempt to reach individuals trapped in the wreckage.

Authorities are investigating a potential gas leak as the cause of an explosion at the mall, which hindered initial rescue efforts. Firefighters have faced difficulty accessing the building, and officials continue to track the status of several missing employees and customers. Meanwhile, a local hospital is at capacity after treating dozens of victims, even as the facility itself dealt with structural damage from the tremors.

Transportation across the region remains largely suspended. Kumamoto Airport canceled all flights for the day, and multiple railway lines are offline to ensure passenger safety. Kyushu Electric Power reported that over 46,000 households lost electricity shortly after the quake, though repair crews are making progress in restoring service to the area.

Officials from the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a warning for residents to remain alert for additional tremors and potential landslides over the coming week. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the government is coordinating a full-scale response to handle the ongoing search and recovery operations. Personnel remain on the ground to assess the full extent of the impact on Kumamoto prefecture.