On July 28, southern Japan was shaken by a powerful natural disaster. A strong earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, causing significant damage to infrastructure and resulting in casualties. According to the latest data, the disaster has left thousands of homes without electricity and destroyed numerous roads.
Scale of Consequences and Government Response
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a briefing in Tokyo, stating that authorities are still assessing the full scale of the consequences of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake. The situation remains critical: power outages have been recorded in several areas, fires have broken out, roads and bridges have been damaged, and individual buildings have been destroyed.
"We are already receiving reports of casualties. Power outages have been recorded in several areas, fires have broken out, roads and bridges have been damaged, and individual buildings have been destroyed," the Prime Minister noted.
Casualties and Transport Collapse
Medical facilities in the region have begun receiving injured people. One local hospital reported more than 50 injured. Additionally, several passengers on a high-speed train, which was in motion at the time of the strike, sustained injuries.
The earthquake led to serious disruptions in the country's transport system. Large cracks appeared on several major highways, including one of the viaducts. Railway traffic was suspended after a freight train derailed. Some flights were also canceled due to infrastructure damage.
Damage to Buildings and Fires
The natural disaster damaged a number of structures, including commercial facilities. In particular, an explosion occurred at the Aeon shopping center. Some buildings were engulfed in flames, while others were partially destroyed. Representatives of Aeon have not yet commented on the situation.
The streets of the affected areas show the aftermath of the destruction: roof debris, damaged facades, and broken structures. Local residents and rescuers are working to mitigate the consequences, however, a full assessment of the damage will take time.
