Japan’s southwest is hit by a major earthquake, prompting injuries, building collapses, and fires, Japan’s prime minister says. Sanae Takaichi reports that people are injured and that some buildings collapse after the quake strikes Kyushu, according to accounts cited by outlets. Television footage broadcast by NHK shows several fires, damaged bridges, cracked roads, and a derailed cargo train. NHK also reports that at least 12 houses have collapsed and that at least 50 people are taken to hospital. The earthquake occurs at about 4:27 p.m. local time (0727 GMT). The Japan Meteorological Agency measures the quake at magnitude 7.1. The shaking reaches the highest possible level of seven on Japan’s Shindo scale, indicating severe intensity. The USGS measurement is mentioned by one outlet, though the reported magnitude in the coverage is attributed to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Across reports, the focus remains on immediate damage and the early casualty and infrastructure impacts following the quake in the Kyushu region.