# Live: Major earthquake strikes southwestern Japan; govt forms task force to assess destruction and launch rescues, PM Takaichi confirms

> A powerful earthquake has hit southwestern Japan, destroying infrastructure, triggering blazes, and leaving multiple people dead and injured. Rescue teams are working urgently after a shopping centre in Kashima sustained heavy collapse.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Live · **Published:** 2026-07-28 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/live/live-major-earthquake-strikes-southwestern-japan-govt-forms-task-force-to-assess-destruction-and-launch-rescues-pm-takaichi-confir-11430 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Japan earthquake, live updates, breaking news

A powerful earthquake has hit southwestern Japan, destroying infrastructure, triggering blazes, and leaving multiple people dead and injured. Rescue teams are working urgently after a shopping centre in Kashima sustained heavy collapse.

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