Strong Earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan Causes Multiple Casualties and Mall Explosion with People Missing

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, leaving tens of thousands without power, damaging roads and bridges, and causing buildings to collapse and catch fire. A large shopping center operated by AEON exploded after the quake, with multiple people missing.

According to Reuters, Japanese Prime Minister Asako Takagi stated that the government is still assessing the damage and urged residents to move to safe locations. About 300,000 people across Kyushu have received evacuation orders, and hundreds of Self-Defense Force members have been deployed for rescue operations.

NHK reported that the AEON shopping center in Kumamoto exploded after the earthquake, with approximately 20 to 30 employees unaccounted for. Fire departments said multiple people were trapped inside, and police confirmed several deaths or presumed fatalities.

Footage from the scene showed one side of the mall severely damaged, with exposed steel beams and debris scattered across the parking lot. Rescue workers continued searching for survivors.

An AEON spokesperson said customers and staff had completed evacuation after the initial tremors, but the cause of the explosion remains unclear. Japan TV (NTV) reported that authorities are investigating whether a gas explosion was involved.

Takunaga Kazu, who runs a bar about 300 meters from the mall, said he was cleaning up fallen tableware when the explosion occurred.

"The impact was extremely strong, and a huge plume of smoke rose up. The wind blew toward our shop, and it felt like volcanic ash was falling around us."

NHK also reported that a chimney at a Nippon Paper Industries factory collapsed, leaving multiple people missing. Two hospitals each admitted over 50 injured people, some with serious injuries. Several Shinkansen passengers were also injured during the earthquake.