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A powerful earthquake has struck southern Japan, causing casualties and collapsed buildings.
According to Japan's Meteorological Agency, the quake hit at 9.26 pm and was centered seven miles east from the town of Mashiki in the Kumamoto prefecture.
Initial reports placed the quake at a magnitude 6.4, but this was later downgraded to 6.2 by the US Geological Survey.
A number of "strong" aftershocks have also been reported.
— the Independent
According to the Japanese news agency Kyodo, at least 40 people are seeking medical treatment, one woman is in critical condition, and others may be trapped beneath rubble.Some images from social media are already showing the destruction: View full entry
