A strong magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit southwestern Japan on Tuesday, causing significant damage and leaving many people feared trapped. The quake struck inland on Kyushu island at 16:27 local time, with its epicenter about 20km south of Kumamoto city. The most severe damage occurred at the Aeon Mall in Kashima Town, Kumamoto prefecture, where the second floor collapsed, trapping an estimated 20 to 30 people. In Yatsushiro City, several people are missing after a chimney collapse at a paper factory. The earthquake prompted a tsunami warning that was lifted within an hour, and approximately 300,000 residents were advised to evacuate to shelters.