Dozens of people were hospitalized after the earthquake hit Southern Japan. According to media reports, multiple houses collapsed, with some people trapped inside the damaged buildings.
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan's southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday afternoon, triggering emergency warnings and prompting authorities to assess the extent of the damage.
At least 50 people were hospitalized after the earthquake, according to NHK. The broadcaster also reported that 12 houses collapsed, with four people trapped inside the damaged buildings.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also said initial reports indicated multiple injuries, damage to civilian infrastructure, and fires in several affected areas.
"We are still assessing the extent of injuries and property damage, but I have been informed that there have already been several injuries," Takaichi said.
