A powerful earthquake has struck Kyushu Island in the Kumamoto Prefecture of Japan, resulting in loss of life and critical infrastructure destruction. According to official statements from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reported by RIA Novosti, 13 fatalities have been confirmed as a result of the disaster.

The seismic event, recorded on Tuesday, registered a magnitude of 7.1. The intense tremors caused the collapse of multiple buildings and severely damaged essential transport networks, including major roadways and bridges across the affected region.

Prime Minister Takaichi announced that the national government has mobilized all available emergency response teams and state resources to conduct search-and-rescue operations. Priority measures are currently focused on extracting survivors from debris and securing hazardous zones.

Emergency health authorities report that more than 80 individuals sustained injuries of varying severity. Additionally, damage to the regional power grid has cut electricity access to approximately 50,000 households.