Japan shaken by one of its biggest earthquakes in 10 years
Photo: Japan hit by another natural disaster (Getty Images)
The earthquake left thousands of homes without electricity and caused significant damage to roads and other infrastructure.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said during a briefing in Tokyo that authorities were still assessing the full impact of the 7.1-magnitude earthquake.
"We have already received reports of casualties. Power outages have been recorded in several areas, fires have broken out, roads and bridges have been damaged, and some buildings have collapsed," she said.
One local hospital reported treating more than 50 injured people. Several passengers aboard a high-speed train were also hurt when the earthquake struck while the train was in motion.
The disaster also damaged several buildings. An explosion was reported at an Aeon shopping mall, while some buildings caught fire and others suffered partial collapse. Aeon has not yet commented on the incident.
Large cracks appeared on several major highways, including an elevated roadway. A freight train derailed, disrupting rail services, while some flights were canceled.
Earlier we reported that residents of Ukraine's Poltava region recently felt earthquake tremors.
