The moment the Aeon shopping mall exploded in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture has been captured by dashcam footage shortly after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the region.

A gas explosion is believed to have destroyed the shopping centre around 30 minutes after the quake.

Officials say at least 23 people were killed and dozens more were injured, while the number of missing people remains unclear.

The tremor caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, triggering fires and leaving thousands of people without power.

Rescue teams are continuing to search for survivors in the wreckage of the shopping mall and at other damaged sites. Military personnel have joined rescue operations as emergency crews clear rubble from collapsed structures.