Japan’s 7.1 Magnitude Quake Claims 13 Lives in Kumamoto; Rescuers Race Against Time for Missing Mall Workers After Explosion
KUMAMOTO, Japan: A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and extensive damage across the region. Rescue operations are currently underway as authorities search for survivors, particularly in the aftermath of an explosion that occurred at a shopping mall near Kumamoto City.
Rescuers successfully pulled eight individuals from the debris of the partially collapsed Aeon mall, which was severely damaged by an explosion approximately one hour after the earthquake. Tragically, two women in their 20s lost their lives in this incident. Reports indicate that between 20 to 30 mall workers remain unaccounted for, according to public broadcaster NHK.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Even now, there are people waiting to be rescued, and this is a race against time. We will marshal all available resources on the ground to save and rescue as many people as possible.”
Authorities are investigating a potential gas explosion at the Aeon mall. Rescuers have reported detecting the smell of gas within the building, although the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, as noted by Japan’s top government spokesperson, Minoru Kihara. Emergency fire rescue teams, police, and approximately 170 military personnel are concentrating their efforts on areas where calls for help have been received. Over 4,500 soldiers have been deployed to assist with recovery efforts throughout the quake-affected areas.
Seven additional individuals are reported missing following the collapse of a chimney at a Nippon Paper Industries factory, with four others sustaining serious injuries. Hospitals in the region are treating dozens of patients, and approximately 260,000 residents have been instructed to evacuate to designated centers. Police received 386 emergency calls following the quake, which included reports of collapsed structures and pleas for assistance.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Kumamoto City, the largest urban center in central Kyushu, which has a population of around 700,000. Authorities have warned residents in the most affected areas to remain vigilant for aftershocks and the risk of landslides over the coming week. With more than 36,000 homes still without power and temperatures reaching approximately 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit), officials have also cautioned about the potential for heat-related illnesses.
Hospitals Strained by Influx of Patients
In Uki City, near the earthquake’s epicenter, one hospital reported that a power outage caused by the quake rendered it non-operational. The head of the administrative department described the situation, stating, “It’s become like a field hospital.” Another facility in the city has suspended admissions due to an inability to accommodate additional emergency cases, having already treated 86 injured individuals, including three with serious injuries.
Several passengers aboard high-speed trains during the earthquake sustained injuries, prompting operators to suspend all services immediately following the tremor.
Public attention has been drawn to the Aeon mall, the largest shopping center in Kumamoto Prefecture, which suffered significant structural damage. Footage revealed that one side of the mall, housing around 200 stores, was torn away, exposing steel beams and scattering debris across the parking lot.
A representative for Aeon confirmed that both customers and employees were evacuated promptly after the initial quake, but the cause of the subsequent explosion remains unclear. Following the incident, Aeon shares fell nearly 2% in early trading in Tokyo, while the benchmark index rose by 0.8%.
Several major companies with facilities in the area, including Sony, Tokyo Electron, and Honda, announced the suspension of operations at their plants through Wednesday. TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, evacuated workers from its local facility as a precaution but resumed operations late on Tuesday.
Significant damage to infrastructure has been reported, with major highways exhibiting large cracks that have disrupted traffic flow.
Japan is situated on the “Ring of Fire,” a region known for its seismic activity, accounting for approximately 20% of the world’s earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or greater. A devastating earthquake in Kumamoto a decade ago resulted in 275 fatalities and over 2,700 injuries, causing extensive damage to numerous buildings, including the city’s historic castle.
The recent quake has also impacted several historical sites, with reports of damage to shrines featuring heavy tiled roofs and a 17th-century tea house.
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Published on 2026-07-29 10:11:00 • By the Editorial Desk
