Officials have confirmed that several individuals are currently trapped within a shopping center in southwest Japan following a powerful earthquake. Local media outlets have reported an explosion at the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto, occurring after the 7.1 magnitude seismic event.
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Read E-PaperThe earthquake, measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale, struck inland on Kyushu island at approximately 16:27 local time (07:27 GMT). This led to the evacuation of over 150,000 people to designated shelters. A brief tsunami warning was issued but subsequently lifted within an hour of the quake.
Emergency services indicated that “many people” were caught inside the Aeon Mall, situated in the Kumamoto region. Furthermore, the fire department released a statement detailing that in the town of Kashima, “a shopping complex’s second floor collapsed, leaving many people trapped inside.”
Japan is recognized as one of the most seismically active nations globally, experiencing an average of 1,500 earthquakes annually.
The meteorological agency has issued warnings regarding the potential for strong aftershocks, attributing this risk to the shallow epicenter, located merely 10 kilometers (six miles) beneath the surface. Footage broadcast by the national public broadcaster NHK displayed fractured roads and bridges, alongside multiple buildings engulfed in flames.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Tuesday, “We are still assessing the extent of injuries and property damage, but I have been informed that there have already been several injuries.” NHK reported that approximately 10 of those injured were residents of an elderly care home, and at least 50 individuals are receiving medical treatment in hospitals.
Train services have been suspended, and thousands of homes are currently without electricity. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed the deployment of first responders, including Japan’s self-defense force, fire services, and coast guard. He urged, “We urge residents in areas where the shaking was particularly severe to pay close attention to evacuation information issued by local authorities via radio, television and the internet, and to act calmly.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the earthquake “caused no damage or safety issues at the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant, located around 100km (62 miles) from the epicentre, and that it remains in operation.” The IAEA further stated, “The IAEA will continue to monitor the situation.”
