A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan's Kyushu island, causing severe damage across the region. The quake reached the maximum intensity of 7 on Japan's Shindo scale, triggering building collapses, fires, landslides, and widespread infrastructure damage. A tsunami warning was issued immediately after the earthquake but was later lifted with no destructive waves recorded. Nearly 300,000 residents were advised to evacuate as emergency shelters opened throughout the affected areas. Around 48,000 households lost power, while rail services, flights, and road traffic faced major disruptions. About 3,600 Self-Defense Forces personnel were deployed as rescue teams searched collapsed buildings for survivors. Authorities confirmed that nearby nuclear power plants were operating safely with no signs of damage or radiation leaks. Seismologists warn that strong aftershocks may continue for days as officials assess the full scale of the disaster.