A 14-year-old student opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Thailand on Friday, killing six people, including teachers and classmates, before taking his own life in one of the country's deadliest school shootings in recent years.

The attack, which also left 22 people injured, occurred at around 10 a.m. local time in Nonthaburi province on the outskirts of Bangkok. Authorities later revealed that the teenager had allegedly killed his grandparents at home before carrying out the attack at school.

Gunfire Triggers Panic

According to Thai authorities, the Grade 9 student entered the school armed with a 9mm handgun and fired 26 rounds, sending students and staff scrambling for safety.

Teachers immediately locked classrooms, switched off lights and instructed students to lie on the floor while emergency responders rushed to the campus.

Several students escaped by climbing over school fences, while others remained trapped inside classrooms until security personnel secured the building.

Emergency teams evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals as police cordoned off the campus.

Victims Include Teachers and Students

Officials confirmed that six victims were killed inside the school, although authorities have released differing breakdowns of the casualties. Initial reports indicated that both teachers and students were among those who died.

The teenage gunman later shot himself inside the school building. Rescue workers attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but he succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities also confirmed that the suspect's grandparents were found dead at their residence. Investigators believe they were killed before the teenager left for school.

Shooter Described as Quiet Student

Thai officials have not publicly identified the suspect because he was a minor.

Investigators said the handgun used in the attack belonged to his grandfather, who was a teacher.

Teachers described the boy as an academically capable student with no known history of violent behaviour. Officials also said he was an avid gamer, though investigators have not suggested any direct link between gaming and the shooting.

Police are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack.

Prime Minister Expresses Grief

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed condolences to the victims' families, calling the tragedy deeply distressing.

He said the government would provide support to affected families while ensuring a thorough investigation into the incident.

The shooting has once again intensified debate over firearm access, school security and youth mental health in Thailand.

Questions Over Gun Control

The latest tragedy has renewed scrutiny of Thailand's gun laws and the accessibility of firearms.

Although the country has relatively strict licensing regulations, gun violence remains a recurring concern, with several high-profile mass shootings reported in recent years.

Among the deadliest incidents was the October 2022 daycare centre attack, in which a former police officer killed 36 people, including 22 children, before taking his own life. In 2020, an army sergeant killed 29 people during a shooting spree in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Security experts say the latest attack is likely to revive discussions on firearm storage practices, school emergency preparedness and mental health intervention programmes for young people.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into Friday's shooting and are expected to release additional findings after forensic examinations and witness interviews are completed.

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday claimed that his Instagram account has been restricted for users in India. He said he has repeatedly sought clarification from Meta, but has not received any official explanation so far.

Kejriwal also alleged that several other users had informed him that their Instagram accounts had faced similar restrictions. He appealed to affected users to get in touch with him and share their experiences.

Kejriwal Alleges Government Pressure

In a post on social media platform X, Kejriwal claimed that the government was pressuring Meta to restrict the accounts of people speaking about issues such as the ethanol policy and the paper leak controversy.

He alleged that social media platforms should operate independently and should not come under political influence. According to him, Meta should provide a transparent explanation if any action has been taken against his account.

Screenshot Shared on Social Media

To support his claim, Kejriwal shared a screenshot of his Instagram account status. The screenshot displayed the message "Unavailable in Some Locations," which, according to him, indicates that his account is not accessible in certain regions, including India.

He said officials at Meta's India office informed him that his account was unavailable in the country, but he added that the company had not provided any formal clarification regarding the reason behind the restriction.

Meta Yet to Respond

As of now, Meta has not issued any official statement regarding Kejriwal's claim or the alleged restriction on his Instagram account.

The company has also not commented on the allegations that accounts discussing specific public issues are being selectively limited.

What Does "Unavailable in Some Locations" Mean?

According to Instagram's account status system, the message "Unavailable in Some Locations" generally indicates that certain content—or, in some cases, an account—may not be visible in specific countries or regions because of local legal requirements or platform policies.

It does not necessarily mean that the account has been suspended or permanently removed. In many cases, the account continues to remain active and accessible in other parts of the world, while access is restricted only in selected locations.

Issue Sparks Fresh Debate

Kejriwal's claim has triggered a fresh discussion on the role of social media platforms in content moderation and regional access restrictions. While the AAP leader has questioned the alleged restriction and sought an explanation from Meta, the company's official position on the matter is still awaited.

New Delhi: Torrential monsoon rains continue to batter several parts of India, triggering floods, landslides and infrastructure damage across multiple states. Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Assam are among the worst-affected regions, where swollen rivers, collapsing buildings and disrupted transport have severely impacted daily life.

Floodwaters Reach Villages and Schools in Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, relentless rainfall has caused major rivers, including the Ganga and Saryu, to swell beyond safe levels. In Farrukhabad district, floodwaters have entered 33 villages and submerged the premises of 40 government schools, disrupting educational activities and affecting thousands of residents.

In Ballia, continuous erosion by the Saryu River has destroyed 27 houses within a week, forcing several families to evacuate and seek shelter in safer locations. Local authorities have launched relief and rehabilitation measures for the affected residents.

Meanwhile, in Varanasi, the rising water level of the Ganga has inundated nearly 40 to 50 small temples located along the riverbanks. Several ghats remain partially submerged, prompting officials to advise pilgrims and tourists to stay away from the flooded areas.

Six Killed After Century-Old House Collapses

A tragic incident was reported from Pratapgarh, where a 100-year-old house collapsed following continuous rainfall. The building came crashing down on members of a single family, claiming the lives of six people.

Rescue teams worked for several hours to remove debris and recover the victims. District officials have initiated relief measures and announced assistance for the affected family.

Heavy Rain Disrupts Uttarakhand

In Uttarakhand, overnight rainfall has triggered multiple landslides and road blockages across the hill districts. As a precautionary measure, authorities have ordered the closure of all schools up to Class 12, including Anganwadi centres, in Dehradun, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Pauri Garhwal.

A major landslide near Tilwara in Rudraprayag brought mud, rocks and rainwater onto the Kedarnath Highway, trapping several vehicles under debris and disrupting traffic on the pilgrimage route. Emergency teams are working to clear the highway and restore connectivity.

Another landslide near Helang in Chamoli has blocked the Badrinath National Highway, leaving travellers stranded as road clearance operations continue.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast more heavy rainfall across several districts of Uttarakhand, prompting disaster management authorities to remain on high alert.

Assam Flood Situation Remains Critical

Flood conditions in Assam continue to be severe despite ongoing rescue and relief operations. Over the past 24 hours, six more people lost their lives, taking the death toll during this monsoon season to 95.

The Dhansiri River is flowing above the danger mark, leading authorities to issue a high alert in 14 districts. According to official estimates, more than 1.6 lakh people across 563 villages remain affected by floodwaters.

Relief camps have been set up to provide food, drinking water and temporary shelter to displaced families, while rescue teams continue evacuation efforts in severely flooded areas using boats and emergency equipment.

Authorities Continue Rescue and Relief Operations

State governments and disaster response agencies are monitoring the evolving situation closely. Restoration work is underway to reopen blocked highways, repair damaged infrastructure and ensure the supply of essential services in affected regions.

Officials have urged residents living in vulnerable areas to remain alert, avoid flooded riverbanks and strictly follow advisories issued by local administrations and weather agencies.

At least five people have died and 41 others remain missing after a ferry caught fire off Madura Island in Indonesia, according to the country's search and rescue agency.

The incident occurred on Sunday, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation involving emergency response teams.

Search Operation Underway

Authorities said rescue personnel are continuing efforts to locate passengers who remain unaccounted for following the fire.

The Indonesian search and rescue agency confirmed that five fatalities have been reported so far, while 41 people are still missing. The number of survivors has not yet been officially disclosed.

Cause of Fire Yet to Be Determined

Officials have not immediately revealed what caused the fire aboard the ferry.

An investigation is expected to begin after rescue operations conclude, with authorities likely to examine the circumstances that led to the incident.

Authorities Continue Rescue Efforts

Emergency teams remain deployed in the area as search operations continue. Authorities are working to trace missing passengers and provide assistance to survivors and their families.

Further details, including the total number of passengers on board and the ferry's route, are yet to be officially released.

 The Congress on Friday intensified its attack on the Chhattisgarh government over recent malaria-related deaths, demanding the resignation of Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal and alleging serious shortcomings in the state's disease surveillance and testing system.

State Congress Medical Cell chairman Dr. Rakesh Gupta accused the government of failing to ensure adequate availability of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits for malaria, claiming the shortage has adversely affected screening and early detection in several districts.

Congress Cites Stock Report

Addressing the issue, Dr. Gupta referred to the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Limited (CMSCL) stock report dated July 30, 2026, alleging that only 3,588 malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test kits were available in government warehouses across the state.

He claimed that several districts currently have no RDT kits in stock and questioned how frontline health workers are conducting malaria screening under such circumstances.

"If rapid test kits are unavailable, on what basis are Mitanins and field health workers diagnosing malaria? Is the entire system relying only on blood smear tests, or has screening itself been affected?" he asked, urging the Health Minister to clarify the situation.

Deaths Trigger Political Row

The Congress raised the issue following recent malaria-related deaths reported from Kanker district, where four people, including three students and one woman, lost their lives.

Health authorities have confirmed malaria cases in villages including Sardi, Domargarh, Madepote and Chichgaon, where more than 30 people have tested positive. Medical teams have established health camps and are conducting screening, testing and treatment in the affected areas.

The opposition alleged that the deaths exposed weaknesses in the state's malaria prevention strategy and accused the government of failing to respond effectively to the outbreak.

Government Accused of Concealing Ground Reality

Dr. Gupta further alleged that the Health Minister was attempting to downplay the seriousness of the malaria situation.

He also referred to malaria-related deaths reported in parts of Kabirdham district, claiming that the government's public statements did not accurately reflect the conditions on the ground.

According to the Congress, delays in diagnosis and inadequate preventive measures have contributed to the worsening situation in vulnerable tribal regions.

Reference to Previous Malaria Campaign

The Congress highlighted the previous government's 'Malaria Mukt Bastar Abhiyan', stating that the programme had significantly reduced malaria prevalence through extensive door-to-door screening and timely treatment.

The party claimed that the current administration has failed to sustain those gains and has weakened the public health response in malaria-prone districts.

Questions Over Mosquito Net Distribution

Apart from testing infrastructure, the Congress also questioned the procurement and distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

The party alleged that delays and administrative lapses have affected preventive measures in vulnerable communities and warned that the situation could deteriorate further if immediate corrective steps are not taken.

Demand for Accountability

The Congress has urged Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to remove the Health Minister from office, holding him accountable for the state's handling of the malaria situation.

The state government has not yet issued a detailed response to the Congress' allegations regarding the availability of malaria testing kits. Health authorities, however, have maintained that screening, testing and treatment activities are continuing in the affected districts.

 Police in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district busted an alleged sex trafficking racket operating from two residential properties during coordinated raids on Thursday. Four people, including two women accused of running the establishments, were arrested, while two minor girls were rescued and later reunited with their families after counselling.

The action was carried out by teams from Kotwali Police Station, Jutmill Police Station and the Cyber Cell following specific intelligence inputs about illegal activities at the two locations.

Decoy Customer Helped Crack the Case

According to police, information was received that commercial sexual exploitation was being carried out from a house in the Danipara area near Laltanki under the Kotwali police station limits.

To verify the information, police first sent a decoy customer to the premises. After receiving a pre-arranged signal confirming the alleged activity, officers conducted a raid.

During the operation, police arrested Laxmi Sharma (46), alleged to be operating the premises, and Rishabh Sharma (24), who was present as a customer.

Police also recovered cash, mobile phones and other material believed to be connected with the alleged offence.

Two Minor Girls Rescued

During the search, officers found two minor girls in separate rooms of the house.

The girls were rescued, provided counselling and later handed over to their families in accordance with legal procedures.

During questioning, the accused woman allegedly told investigators that she had been operating the illegal activity from her house for the past one to two years by bringing women to the premises and sharing a portion of the money received from customers.

Second Raid Conducted in Mitthumuda

In a parallel operation, police teams raided another house near Durga Chowk in Mitthumuda under the Jutmill police station limits.

As in the first case, a decoy customer was sent to verify the information before officers entered the premises.

Police arrested Sunita Mehar (48), alleged to be running the operation, along with Abhay Singh (42), who was present as a customer. Material related to the alleged prostitution racket was also seized during the search.

Two women found at the premises reportedly informed investigators that they had been brought there for commercial sexual exploitation.

Cases Registered Under Relevant Laws

Police have registered separate cases against the accused under provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA).

In the first case, provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have also been invoked because minors were found at the location.

All four accused were produced before a local court on Friday and were subsequently remanded to judicial custody.

Police said the investigation is continuing to identify any additional persons connected with the alleged trafficking network and to determine whether the racket has links beyond the two locations.

A late-night road accident in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur left three young men injured, one of them critically, after a speeding motorcycle crashed into a roadside iron barricade. In the impact, a nearly seven-foot-long iron pipe from the barricade pierced through the rider’s abdomen, prompting an emergency rescue operation.

The accident occurred on Thursday night on the Sakri-Pendari main road under the Sakri police station limits.

According to police, Priyanshu Gyanik, a resident of Jarhagaon, was returning home from Bilaspur with two friends on a motorcycle when the vehicle reportedly went out of control and rammed into an iron barricade installed along the roadside.

Iron Pipe Pierced Through Rider's Abdomen

The collision was so severe that an iron pipe from the barricade tore through the front portion of the motorcycle before penetrating Priyanshu's abdomen and passing through his body.

The impact also threw the two pillion riders off the motorcycle, leaving them injured.

The injured have been identified as:

• Priyanshu Gyanik (critically injured)

• Abraham

• Vardaan

All three are believed to be students.

Passersby Rush to Help

The accident triggered panic among commuters on the road. Local residents and passersby immediately rushed to the spot and informed the police and emergency services.

A passerby, Gajendra Thakur, alerted the Dial-112 emergency response team, while nearby residents assisted the injured until medical help arrived.

Police personnel and ambulance staff reached the spot shortly afterward. Two injured youths were shifted to a nearby hospital immediately, while Priyanshu, whose injuries were critical, was transported separately by ambulance for advanced medical treatment.

Victim Undergoing Treatment

Priyanshu is currently admitted to Apollo Hospital, where doctors are treating his life-threatening injuries. Hospital authorities have described his condition as critical.

The other two injured youths are also undergoing treatment.

Administration Monitoring the Case

Preliminary findings suggest that the motorcycle was travelling at high speed before the crash. Police are investigating the exact sequence of events and the cause of the accident.

Following information about the incident, Takhatpur SDM Nitin Tiwari directed the local Tehsildar to visit the hospital and monitor the situation. The district administration said it is keeping a close watch on the case.

Police have stated that further investigation is underway, and necessary action will be taken based on the findings.

 A life convict serving a sentence in a double murder case allegedly died by suicide after jumping into a burning gasifier furnace inside Bilaspur Central Jail on Wednesday, raising fresh concerns over prison safety and inmate welfare. The incident comes amid a series of inmate deaths at the jail, with five prisoners having died within the past month.

The deceased has been identified as Rahul alias Vikesh Kanwar (46), a resident of Bamhnidih in Janjgir-Champa district. He had been lodged in Bilaspur Central Jail for the past ten years after being convicted in a double murder case.

Senior district officials, including Collector Sanjay Agrawal and Senior Superintendent of Police Rajnesh Singh, visited the prison following the incident. A forensic team and police officials have begun an investigation into the circumstances leading to the inmate's death.

Convict Jumped into Operational Furnace

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred inside the jail's gasifier plant, where wood is converted into gas used for cooking meals for inmates in the prison kitchen.

Officials said the furnace was operational when Rahul allegedly reached the facility and suddenly jumped into the burning chamber. Jail personnel attempted to rescue him, but the intense heat prevented immediate intervention, and he died at the scene.

The incident triggered panic inside the prison premises as officials rushed to secure the area.

Investigation Underway

District authorities inspected the scene soon after receiving information about the incident.

Collector Sanjay Agrawal confirmed that the deceased was serving a life sentence in a double murder case and had remained in prison for nearly a decade. He said the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated and that all aspects of the case will be examined.

Forensic experts have collected evidence from the gasifier unit, while police are recording statements of jail staff and inmates who may have witnessed the incident.

Fifth Inmate Death in One Month

The latest death has intensified scrutiny of Bilaspur Central Jail, where multiple inmate deaths have been reported over the past few weeks.

On June 23, an undertrial booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, identified as Neelu Jagat, was allegedly murdered inside the jail.

In another incident, Ram Bharose Majhi, a life convict from Raigarh district, died after his health deteriorated while in custody.

Two other inmates, identified as Raju Gond of Gatora and Dharmendra Singh, also died inside the prison during the same period.

The succession of deaths has prompted questions about prison administration, inmate supervision and medical care inside one of Chhattisgarh's largest correctional facilities.

Prison Management Faces Fresh Questions

Bilaspur Central Jail has previously faced criticism over several security-related incidents, including inmate clashes, suspicious deaths, recovery of mobile phones, seizure of prohibited substances and alleged lapses in prison surveillance.

The latest incident has once again brought attention to security arrangements inside the prison, particularly regarding access to operational industrial equipment such as the gasifier plant.

Officials have not yet clarified how the inmate reached the restricted area or whether additional safety protocols were in place at the time of the incident.

Authorities Await Detailed Findings

Police officials said further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation and the forensic examination.

Authorities are also expected to review CCTV footage, question prison personnel and examine the prison's standard operating procedures to determine whether any negligence contributed to the incident.

The death has renewed concerns over inmate safety, prison management practices and the need for enhanced monitoring inside correctional institutions, especially in light of the multiple custodial deaths reported over the past month.

 A 30-year-old man died after allegedly being brutally assaulted with iron rods by a father and son in Chhattisgarh's Balod district, with police claiming the attack stemmed from a years-old rivalry between the two families. The victim succumbed to his injuries nearly 18 hours after the assault while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Raipur.

The incident occurred in Khaira village under the Deori police station limits. The deceased, Hitesh Sinha (30), reportedly sustained more than 20 fractures during the attack. Police have arrested the two accused—Hiraman Sinha (51) and his son Kamendra Sinha (26)—and sent them to judicial custody.

Attack Followed Alleged Deliberate Collision

According to the police, the assault took place on the evening of July 28 when Hitesh was travelling on a motorcycle with his relative Gaurav Sinha and another villager, Prakash Nishad.

The complainant alleged that as they reached a stretch near a pond in Khaira village, the accused intercepted them on another motorcycle. Kamendra allegedly rammed their bike, causing all three riders to fall onto the road.

Police said the father and son then attacked Hitesh with iron pipes, repeatedly targeting his arms and legs before continuing the assault even after he collapsed.

Victim Suffered Multiple Fractures

Investigators said Hitesh was initially rushed to Deori Hospital before being referred to a medical facility in Raipur due to the severity of his injuries.

Despite treatment, he died approximately 18 hours later. Preliminary medical findings indicated that he had suffered more than 20 fractures across his body, reflecting the intensity of the assault.

Following his death, police upgraded the case from attempt to murder to murder under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Old Rivalry Under Investigation

Police said both families had been involved in disputes since 2022, with multiple complaints and FIRs registered against each other over the past few years.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly claimed they became enraged after seeing Hitesh twirl his moustache and gesture by running his hand across his throat, which they interpreted as a threat.

The accused also alleged that the victim had earlier damaged crops by spraying herbicide in their fields, further aggravating the long-standing conflict. Police said these claims are part of the investigation and are being verified independently.

Relative Alleges Public Did Not Intervene

In his complaint, Gaurav Sinha said the accused continued beating Hitesh for nearly 20 minutes despite repeated pleas for help.

He alleged that when he attempted to intervene, he was also attacked with an iron pipe, sustaining injuries to his leg. He further claimed that bystanders present near the scene did not step in during the assault.

Police reached the spot after receiving information through the emergency response system and shifted the injured men to hospital.

Police Arrest Both Accused

Deori Police Station in-charge Manish Shende said an FIR was initially registered under provisions relating to attempt to murder. Following Hitesh's death during treatment, murder charges under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita were added.

Both accused were arrested, produced before a local court and remanded to judicial custody.

Investigators are continuing to examine the background of the dispute, previous criminal complaints involving both parties and the sequence of events that led to the fatal attack.

The incident has once again highlighted how unresolved personal rivalries in rural areas can escalate into fatal violence, with police urging residents to seek legal remedies instead of resorting to retaliation.

A major fire broke out in Raipur's Telibandha area in the early hours of Wednesday, destroying four commercial establishments, including the popular Octopus Bar, and several parked vehicles. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly seven hours before bringing the blaze under control.

According to police, the fire started around 1 am in a hardware shop located near Octopus Bar. Within minutes, the flames spread rapidly to adjoining establishments, triggering panic in the area. Despite intermittent rainfall, the fire intensified due to the combustible materials stored inside the hardware store.

As soon as the incident was reported, the Fire and Emergency Services Department rushed 13 fire tenders to the spot. Firefighters worked throughout the night to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings and eventually managed to control the fire by early Wednesday morning.

Telibandha police station in-charge Ajay Jha said the initial assessment suggests the blaze originated inside the hardware shop before engulfing Octopus Bar and two other commercial establishments. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and a detailed investigation has been initiated.

Several vehicles parked outside the affected shops were also completely destroyed in the incident. Thick smoke continued to billow from the damaged buildings for several hours even after the flames were brought under control.

People staying at a nearby hotel had a narrow escape after the fire spread towards the building. Guests rushed out of their rooms to safety, leaving behind their belongings as the flames intensified. No casualties or serious injuries were reported, although property damage is believed to be substantial.

Local business owners rushed to the site after receiving information about the incident. Many found their establishments severely damaged by the fire. Owners said they had little time to save goods as the flames spread rapidly across the row of shops.

Fire department officials continued cooling operations on Wednesday morning to prevent any possibility of reignition. The damaged structures have been cordoned off, and officials are assessing the extent of losses.

Police and fire officials are examining the scene and collecting evidence to determine whether the fire was caused by an electrical fault, combustible material, or any other reason. A detailed damage assessment will be carried out once the investigation is completed.

The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety measures in commercial areas of Raipur, particularly where hardware stores and other establishments dealing with inflammable materials operate in close proximity.

The death toll from the powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture has climbed to 13, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Authorities have warned residents to remain alert for strong aftershocks and possible landslides over the coming week.

Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the rescue operation as "a race against time" and said all available emergency resources had been mobilised to assist affected communities.

The earthquake struck around 20 kilometres south of Kumamoto City on Kyushu Island, causing widespread structural damage, power outages and disruption to transportation networks across the region.

Massive Evacuation Underway

Authorities have ordered nearly 260,000 residents to evacuate to temporary relief centres across Kumamoto Prefecture as a precaution against aftershocks and landslides.

More than 36,000 households remain without electricity, while soaring temperatures of around 34°C have raised concerns about heat-related illnesses among displaced residents staying in emergency shelters.

Emergency officials have urged people to avoid damaged buildings and remain prepared for additional seismic activity.

Mall Explosion Claims Two Lives

Rescue workers continued operations at a partially collapsed shopping mall where an explosion, suspected to have been caused by a gas leak, occurred about an hour after the earthquake.

Eight people were rescued from the debris, but two women in their twenties lost their lives in the blast.

Authorities said around 20 to 30 mall employees remain unaccounted for, and search operations are continuing.

Investigators are examining whether damaged gas infrastructure triggered the explosion following the quake.

Infrastructure and Industries Hit

The earthquake caused extensive damage to roads, disrupting traffic and emergency access in several parts of Kumamoto Prefecture.

Several passengers travelling on Shinkansen bullet trains sustained injuries during the powerful tremors, while rail services were temporarily suspended for safety inspections.

Industrial operations also suffered major disruptions.

At a Nippon Paper Industries factory, a chimney collapse left seven workers missing and seriously injured four others.

Major companies including Honda and Tokyo Electron suspended operations at local facilities, while semiconductor manufacturer TSMC temporarily evacuated employees before gradually resuming limited operations later in the day.

Hospitals Overwhelmed

Medical facilities across the affected region are treating dozens of injured people as emergency services struggle to cope with the influx of patients.

One hospital near the epicentre reportedly continued functioning despite losing electricity, operating under emergency conditions similar to a field hospital.

Another medical facility suspended new admissions after receiving 86 injured patients within a short period.

Authorities have deployed additional medical teams to assist hospitals facing increased pressure.

Japan on High Alert

The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that strong aftershocks may continue over the next several days and advised residents to stay away from unstable slopes due to the heightened risk of landslides.

No abnormalities have been reported at nearby nuclear facilities following the earthquake, according to Japanese regulators.

A Nation Familiar with Earthquakes

Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates converge.

The country experiences nearly 20% of the world's earthquakes measuring magnitude 6.0 or higher.

Kumamoto itself witnessed a devastating earthquake in 2016, which claimed 275 lives, injured thousands and caused widespread destruction, leading to stricter building standards and disaster preparedness measures.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rescue efforts remain focused on locating survivors trapped under collapsed structures.

Power supply disrupted to more than 48,000 homes as authorities assess damage; train services suspended for safety checks

A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's southwestern Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, injuring more than 40 people, damaging infrastructure and disrupting electricity to over 48,300 households. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) also issued a tsunami advisory following the strong tremor before authorities began monitoring coastal areas.

According to the JMA, the earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres near the coastal city of Uto in Kumamoto Prefecture. The quake was recorded at the highest Level 7 on Japan's Shindo intensity scale, indicating extremely strong ground shaking capable of causing significant structural damage.

Homes lose power, roads and buildings damaged

Authorities said the earthquake caused extensive damage in several parts of Kumamoto, with roads developing large cracks and sections of walls collapsing. Parts of the historic Kumamoto Castle's stone walls were also damaged by the powerful tremors.

Power utility Kyushu Electric Power reported that electricity supply was interrupted to more than 48,300 homes, adding that restoration work had begun immediately.

Emergency teams were deployed across the affected region as officials continued assessing the full extent of the damage.

Tsunami advisory and aftershock warning

Following the earthquake, the JMA warned that tsunami waves of up to one metre could reach parts of Japan's southwestern coastline.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to stay away from coastal areas and remain alert for possible aftershocks. She said the government had established an emergency task force to monitor the situation, coordinate rescue efforts and collect information from affected districts.

Authorities have also cautioned people against returning to damaged buildings until safety inspections are completed.

Transport services temporarily suspended

As a precautionary measure, Shinkansen bullet train services and several local railway operations across Kyushu were temporarily suspended to allow engineers to inspect tracks and related infrastructure.

The Japanese Defence Ministry deployed aircraft to conduct aerial surveys of the affected region and assist local authorities in assessing the impact of the earthquake.

Meanwhile, Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that inspections at three nearby nuclear power plants found no abnormalities, easing concerns over any nuclear-related emergency.

Japan's high earthquake risk

Japan remains one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where four major tectonic plates converge.

The country has one of the world's most advanced earthquake preparedness systems, developed after devastating disasters such as the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, which triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster and claimed more than 15,000 lives.

Officials have advised residents in Kumamoto and neighbouring areas to remain vigilant as strong aftershocks remain possible over the coming days.