Japan Earthquake Triggers Mall Blast and Collapse, Rescue Teams Race to Save Those Trapped

A powerful earthquake struck Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction, disrupting essential services, and triggering an explosion at a shopping mall that left several people trapped beneath the debris as rescue efforts continued.

The earthquake, measured at a magnitude of 7.1, shook the southwestern region of the country, damaging buildings, roads and public infrastructure. One of the most serious incidents occurred at an Aeon shopping mall in Kashima town, where an explosion was reported shortly after the quake. The blast was followed by a partial collapse of the building, with the second floor caving in and trapping numerous people inside. Authorities fear there could be fatalities, although the exact number of casualties has not yet been confirmed.

Emergency responders, including firefighters and rescue teams, were deployed immediately. However, unstable structural conditions have made rescue operations challenging, limiting access to parts of the collapsed building. Initial reports suggest that many of those trapped are employees working inside the shopping complex when the earthquake struck.

The powerful tremor also caused extensive disruption across Kumamoto and neighbouring areas. Thousands of homes lost electricity, roads were damaged, and transport services, including rail operations and flights at Kumamoto Airport, were suspended. Authorities also reported fires, damaged bridges, and disruptions to communication networks in several locations.

A tsunami advisory was briefly issued following the earthquake but was lifted after officials confirmed there was no significant tsunami threat. Residents across affected regions were nevertheless urged to remain alert as strong aftershocks were expected in the coming hours. Around 300,000 people were advised to evacuate to designated shelters as a precaution while emergency agencies assessed the full extent of the damage.

The Japanese government established an emergency response task force and mobilised thousands of Self-Defence Force personnel to support rescue and relief operations. Officials have appealed to the public to avoid damaged structures, follow evacuation instructions, and remain prepared for additional seismic activity. Authorities continue to assess casualties and infrastructure damage as search operations remain underway in the hardest-hit areas.