Many feared dead in mall collapse after major earthquake strikes Japan

A powerful earthquake registering a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan's southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday afternoon, causing widespread damage, injuries, and a partial collapse at a shopping mall where a "considerable number" of people are feared dead.

Disaster Unfolds Across Southern Japan

The earthquake hit at approximately 4:27 p.m. local time at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter near the coastal city of Uki, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The U.S. Geological Survey later revised its magnitude estimate downward to 6.8, though Japanese authorities maintained the 7.1 figure on their scale. The quake registered the highest possible level — Shindo 7 — on Japan's seismic intensity scale.france24+4

The Japanese government issued emergency warnings for seven prefectures across Kyushu: Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, and Miyazaki. A tsunami advisory warning of waves up to one meter was issued for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas but was lifted within two hours.aljazeera+3

Mall Collapse Becomes Focal Point

The deadliest scene emerged at the Aeon Mall in Kashima Town, where the building's second floor collapsed, trapping many people inside, according to a fire department statement. TBS broadcaster reported that a "considerable number" of people had died at the shopping complex. At least 50 people were taken to hospital with injuries across the affected region, NHK reported.france24

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed reports of injuries, road and bridge damage, fires, and blackouts across the region. She announced the deployment of 3,600 soldiers to assist with disaster recovery. Around 300,000 people were instructed to evacuate to designated centers.straitstimes+2

Infrastructure and Aftershock Concerns

Kyushu Electric Power reported approximately 40,000 homes lost electricity. JR Kyushu suspended all services, including high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains, for safety checks. The runway at Aso Kumamoto Airport was also closed with "no prospect of resuming operations".aljazeera+2

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed no abnormalities at nearby nuclear power plants. The JMA warned that aftershocks of similar magnitude could occur in the coming days, urging residents to remain vigilant. A magnitude 4.2 aftershock struck Kumamoto around 7:00 p.m. local time.kmph+2

The region suffered a devastating series of earthquakes a decade ago that killed more than 275 people.nytimes+1