13 People Killed in Japanese Earthquake, Two People Hit by Mall Ruins

JAKARTA - A total of 13 people were killed by a strong earthquake that shook southern Japan on Tuesday. The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake had a magnitude of 6.8, after previously reporting an initial estimate of magnitude 7.1.

The quake hit Kyushu Island, specifically in Kumamoto Prefecture, shortly before 16:30 local time, according to the USGS.

As of Wednesday, July 29, morning local time, 13 people were found dead, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae said, reported NHK.

Two people - two women in their 20s - were killed in the shopping centre, part of which collapsed, according to authorities and local broadcasters.

Aerial footage over the shopping center showed that several walls and parts of the roof had partially collapsed. NHK reported that the fire department said the second floor of the building had collapsed.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said many people may have been trapped inside the shopping center, NHK reported.