Many trapped in collapsed shopping mall after Japan earthquake

Earthquake hits: A 6.8-magnitude earthquake which hit Japan’s southern Kumamoto prefecture has left many people trapped after a shopping mall partially collapsed, public broadcaster NHK reports. Several are also reportedly unaccounted for at a paper factory, a highway bridge has buckled, and at least one other building has collapsed.

• Several reported dead: A number of people were killed in the mall collapse, according to CNN affiliate TV Asahi, which cited police sources.

• Dozens injured: One hospital had reported more than 50 injuries, NHK said. Several people on a high-speed train at the time of the quake were ⁠also injured, according to Nikkei newspaper.

• Tremor warning: Residents in the areas that felt the biggest tremors ​must beware of further strong quakes for about a week as well as the risk of landslides, an official for the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.