At least 13 killed as 7.1 earthquake hits Japan, evacuation issued for 260,000 people amid blackout

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and evacuation orders for approximately 260,000 people. The quake caused widespread power outages, damaged roads and buildings, and led to the partial collapse of the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto, where an explosion occurred and several people were trapped or killed. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged citizens to prioritize safety, stating, "Even now, there are people waiting to be rescued, and this is a race against time." Rescue efforts involved emergency teams and over 4,500 soldiers. The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed no damage to the Sendai nuclear power plant. Major companies like Toyota and Honda halted operations, and telecommunication services were disrupted. This marks the second significant earthquake in Japan this year, a country highly prone to seismic activity.