Dozens of people are missing or injured after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake shook Japan’s southern island of Kyushu Tuesday.
The quake caused part of the Aeon Mall shopping center in Kashima Town to collapse, trapping an unknown number of people, according to The Associated Press.
Nearly 100 injured people have been sent to hospitals in Yatsushiro and Kumamoto, according to AP.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said there were additional reports of damage to roads, buildings and bridges. Damages include the collapse of the stone walls at Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto city.
Many houses have collapsed as well, trapping residents inside, according to The Japan News. Those left standing aren’t faring much better. The Kyushu Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Co. reports that more than 42,000 households in the Kumamoto prefecture are currently without power.
Residents also faced threat of a tsunami advisory, which was issued for the Ariake Sea, according to a press release by Takaichi. AP reports the tsunami advisory has now been lifted.
Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority reports there were no abnormalities found at nearby nuclear power plants.
Takaichi said the government will “spare no effort” in emergency response measures.
“Please remain vigilant,” Takaichi continued. “The Government will continue to respond with every available resource.”
Takaichi warned those in the affected area to evacuate to a safe location and prepare for aftershocks throughout the next week.
