A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto prefecture late on Tuesday, toppling buildings, sparking fires, and knocking out power to thousands of homes. The disaster left authorities fearing multiple deaths and dozens missing, with many people feared trapped inside a stricken shopping mall. More than 100 people were reportedly injured in the tremor.
Among those affected in the region were tourists, including a Hong Kong resident traveling with her boyfriend in Kumamoto who described feeling "quite scared" during the shaking. Hong Kong’s travel authority subsequently confirmed that approximately 200 members of tour groups visiting the affected area were safe.
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