A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island on Tuesday, causing extensive damage and human casualties. According to the latest reports, at least 13 people have died. This was reported by Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takachi. According to her, authorities confirm widespread destruction: buildings and roads have been damaged, fires have broken out, and there are fatalities and injuries. Meanwhile, specialists continue to investigate whether all cases of death are directly related to the earthquake. The search and rescue operation is ongoing. Rescuers are trying to reach people who may be trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. One of the most severely affected sites was a shopping center in the city of Kashima. After the evacuation of visitors and staff, a gas explosion occurred there, causing a fire and leading to structural collapse. Eight people were rescued from the building, five of whom were injured. The Nippon Paper Industries paper factory in Yatsushiro also sustained serious damage, where a smokestack collapsed. According to local authorities, nine people are reported missing. The earthquake also disrupted infrastructure. As of Wednesday morning, nearly 37,000 homes and businesses in Kumamoto Prefecture were without electricity. Traffic restrictions have been imposed on several roads, and high-speed train services have been suspended. Kumamoto Airport temporarily ceased operations but has already resumed accepting and dispatching flights. Significant forces have been mobilized to address the aftermath. The Japanese Ministry of Defense has dispatched about 3,600 military personnel and 20 aircraft to assess the extent of the damage from the air. As the rescue operation continues, the number of casualties may change. In such situations, final data on the dead and injured typically becomes known only after the debris has been cleared. Japanese authorities continue search and rescue efforts and damage assessments. At the same time, restoration of transportation and electricity supply is underway in the most affected areas.