A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake has left a trail of destruction across Kumamoto, Japan, with one of the most shocking moments unfolding at AEON Mall Kumamoto, where a massive explosion ripped through the shopping complex shortly after the quake. Viral videos circulating online capture the terrifying moment the blast sent thick black smoke, debris and panic across the area, turning an already devastating natural disaster into an even greater tragedy. Authorities say the explosion occurred within an hour of the powerful earthquake, prompting an immediate large-scale emergency response. Rescue teams continue to comb through the collapsed sections of the mall in search of survivors, while several people have already been pulled from the rubble. Investigators are examining whether a gas leak triggered by the earthquake may have caused the deadly explosion, though the exact cause remains under investigation. The earthquake has claimed at least 13 lives, with fears that the toll could rise as search operations continue. WATCH

Europe is battling one of its most severe wildfire emergencies as massive blazes continue to rage across France and Spain. More than 300,000 people have been evacuated or confined, while thousands of firefighters are racing to contain fires near Bordeaux and Madrid before another extreme heatwave arrives. French President Emmanuel Macron has chaired a crisis meeting as firefighters continue battling flames threatening communities across southwest France. In Spain, thousands remain displaced as authorities struggle to contain multiple wildfires.