A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck Kumamoto in south-west Japan on Tuesday afternoon, causing significant damage and trapping dozens inside a shopping centre.
The quake hit Kyushu island at 16:27 local time, with the epicentre located just 10km underground, prompting warnings of strong aftershocks. Over 150,000 residents were advised to evacuate to safe shelters.
Shopping Centre Collapse and Explosion Reports
Following the tremor, an explosion was reported at the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto. Witnesses described seeing smoke and the collapse of the mall’s second floor, leading to multiple injuries and trapping numerous shoppers inside.
Japan’s fire and disaster management agency confirmed the collapse of the second floor of the commercial facility and ongoing rescue efforts to free those trapped.
Government Response and Safety Measures
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi acknowledged injuries and infrastructure damage, urging residents to evacuate promptly.
- A brief tsunami warning was issued but later lifted within an hour.
- Thousands of homes experienced power outages, and some roads were damaged.
Nuclear Plant Status
The Sendai nuclear power plant, located approximately 100km from the epicentre, reported no damage or safety concerns. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the plant remains operational and is being closely monitored.
Japan, one of the most earthquake-prone countries globally, experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually, making preparedness vital for mitigating such disasters.
