'Pray for safety and recovery': Jaishankar reacts after powerful Japan earthquake

New Delhi: India has expressed solidarity with Japan after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, leaving at least one person dead, injuring dozens and causing widespread damage across southwestern Japan.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India stands with the Japanese government and its people as emergency teams continue rescue and relief efforts.

Taking to X, Jaishankar said he was deeply concerned by the devastating earthquake and prayed for the safety and speedy recovery of everyone affected.

He also reaffirmed India's support for Japan as it responds to the disaster.

The strong tremor struck at around 4:27 pm local time at a shallow depth of nearly 10 kilometres.

Japanese authorities recorded the highest seismic intensity level in parts of Kumamoto, prompting emergency evacuations and rescue operations.

One of the most serious incidents occurred at an Aeon-operated shopping mall in Kashima, where an explosion was reported after hundreds of people had evacuated.

Part of the building collapsed, while several employees were reported missing, raising fears that some may still be trapped beneath the debris.

Elsewhere, a cargo train derailed near Yatsushiro Station, although the driver escaped without injuries. Emergency responders also rushed to several residential areas after receiving reports of people trapped inside damaged homes.

Hospitals in Kumamoto admitted around 50 injured people as firefighters and disaster response teams continued search operations.

Residents described the quake as one of the strongest they had experienced since the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, with violent shaking lasting up to 20 seconds.

Authorities also issued a tsunami warning for the Ariake Sea and the Yatsushiro Sea following the quake. However, officials confirmed that the Sendai and Genkai nuclear power plants reported no abnormalities after initial inspections.

Japan remains on high alert as aftershocks continue and rescue teams search for those still missing.