TOKYO, — At least two people were killed after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto Prefecture, triggering an explosion at a shopping mall, collapsing buildings, and causing widespread infrastructure damage.
According to local authorities, the two victims—both women in their 20s—died after an explosion tore through the Aeon Mall Kumamoto shopping center shortly after the quake. Rescue teams pulled eight people from the site overnight, while another individual remained in cardiopulmonary arrest. Five others sustained injuries that officials said were not life-threatening.
Emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers and members of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, continued overnight search-and-rescue operations at the mall, focusing on areas where trapped victims were believed to be located.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said authorities were still assessing the full scale of the disaster, noting reports of injuries, power outages, fires, damaged roads and bridges, and collapsed buildings across the affected region.
Approximately 300,000 residents were advised to evacuate to emergency shelters as strong aftershocks continued to shake parts of Kyushu, Japan’s southwestern main island.
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The earthquake struck an area that was also devastated by a series of deadly earthquakes in 2016, raising renewed concerns over structural safety and disaster preparedness.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant for additional aftershocks while emergency crews continue rescue efforts and damage assessments.
