Pakistan, July 28 -- A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday, causing widespread damage and power outages. Authorities feared fatalities after an explosion and partial collapse at a shopping mall trapped multiple people inside.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said officials were assessing the full extent of the disaster. She confirmed injuries, fires, damaged roads, collapsed buildings, and urged residents to evacuate to safe locations as aftershocks continued.

Read more: Powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake jolts Japan's Kyushu region

According to Japan's disaster management , around 300,000 people were instructed to evacuate. Meanwhile, Takaichi said 3,600 soldiers would support emergency operatio...