A 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit southern Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture today, causing a deadly explosion at a shopping mall, damaging roads, and cutting power to thousands. Authorities expect multiple deaths as rescue operations continue through aftershocks.
Rescue efforts focus on collapsed mall
Between 20 and 30 workers remain missing after an explosion destroyed part of the Aeon shopping mall in Kumamoto, the prefecture’s largest. Video showed one side of the building ripped open, exposing steel beams and strewing debris across the parking lot.
Aeon representatives stated that customers and employees were evacuated following the initial quake, though the cause of the explosion is still unknown. Fire crews reported multiple people trapped inside, while police told broadcaster TBS that several were likely killed.
Kazuya Tsurunaga, who was cleaning broken dishes at a nearby pub, recalled the blast. “It was a massive impact,” he said. “A thick cloud of smoke rose, and with the wind blowing toward us, it felt like volcanic ash falling.”
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Hospitals overwhelmed, infrastructure damaged
More than 90 injuries have been reported, with one hospital treating over 50 patients and another caring for around 40, including 10 in critical condition. Several passengers on a high-speed train during the quake also suffered injuries.
Power outages left 48,000 homes without electricity, and major roads developed significant cracks, including a raised highway. Rail services stopped, and flights were grounded.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed fires, collapsed buildings, and road damage. “I urge everyone to stay safe and move to evacuation centers if needed,” she said. About 300,000 people received evacuation orders, and hundreds of soldiers were sent to help.
The quake’s epicenter lay roughly 12 miles south of Kumamoto city, which has 700,000 residents. A Japan Meteorological Agency official warned that strong aftershocks could continue for a week, along with possible landslides.
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Factories halt operations, no nuclear risks reported
Major manufacturers, including TSMC, Sony, and Fujifilm, evacuated workers from their Kumamoto facilities. Tokyo Electron stopped production at two local plants through Wednesday, and Honda paused motorcycle assembly in the area.
The Japan Meteorological Agency briefly issued a tsunami warning, but lifted it later. The country’s nuclear regulator found no issues at nearby power stations.
Japan lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” responsible for about 20% of the world’s earthquakes measuring 6.0 or stronger. The latest quake struck an area still rebuilding from the 2016 disaster, where residents remember the destruction well.
Rescue teams continue searching for survivors.