Earthquake Hits Southern Japan

A powerful earthquake struck southern Japan, leaving multiple people trapped in a mall. The quake severely damaged the AEON Mall, according to local fire officials. An explosion was reported on the mall’s second floor, with nearly a dozen fire trucks arriving at the scene.

State broadcaster NHK showed images of the mall with collapsed ceilings, a damaged facade, and a road littered with debris.

Initial Impact and Disruptions

Passengers crowded JR Hakata Station as bullet train services halted following the 7.1-magnitude earthquake. The tremor caused shelves and office equipment to fall in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Images showed the collapse of an exterior wall in a Kumamoto City store.

Extent of Damage

NHK reported at least 12 buildings collapsed, with people trapped in four locations. Most incidents occurred in Yatsushiro city, Kumamoto Prefecture. Aerial footage revealed a mall with a collapsed ceiling and exposed structure.

Additionally, pillars at a shrine collapsed, and a building caught fire. Seven fires were documented in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Tsunami Warning and Response

The earthquake struck at approximately 4:27 p.m. local time (3:27 a.m. ET), according to Japan’s Cabinet Office’s Disaster Management Division. The Japan Meteorological Agency briefly issued a tsunami advisory for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas, later lifted by NHK.

Japan’s Earthquake Preparedness

Japan is among the most earthquake-prone countries, experiencing frequent tremors. Located on the “Ring of Fire,” it faces frequent tectonic activity.

The country accounts for nearly 20% of global earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or higher. Since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, Japan has improved its warning systems and evacuation procedures significantly.

Firefighters responded to various incidents, including a burning house captured in footage from Uki, Kumamoto Prefecture.