Japan Earthquake Triggers Explosion At Mall In Kashima Town; Several Trapped, Feared Dead

Japan Earthquake: An explosion occurred at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Japan’s Kashima Town after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake followed by multiple aftershocks hit the country on Tuesday. Several people are feared trapped and dead, as per a statement from the retailer.

A part of the second floor of the building collapsed after the blast, local news agency NHK reported citing fire officials.

"Kashima town, a shopping complex's second floor collapsed, leaving many people trapped inside," the fire department said, as quoted by AFP.

ALSO READ: Japan Earthquake Wreaks Havoc: 40,000 Homes Face Power Cut, Trains Halted, Airports Shut; Many Trapped In AEON Mall Fire

Japanese Prime Minister Says Teams Are On High Alert

Speaking from her office in Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that emergency response teams and regional authorities are currently on high alert and actively assessing the full extent of casualties and structural property damage across the affected zone.

She said, “We have already been informed that people have been injured…Power outages and fires have occurred in some areas, and there has also been damage to roads and bridges and the collapse of buildings. Above all, I ask everyone to take action to protect themselves, including evacuating to a safe location,” as reported by Reuters.

40,000 Homes Without Electricity

According to reports, more than 150,000 people were instructed to go to evacuation centres. Additionally, about 40,000 homes had lost power as a result of the latest quake, Kyushu Electric Power said. Railway company JR Kyushu added that it had suspended services, including its high-speed bullet trains. Kumamoto airport has also shut its runway, with several flights diverted and cancelled.

Tsunami Warning Issued

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a 1-metre tsunami warning after the shallow 10-kilometre-deep earthquake struck. The Kumamoto region shook violently, hitting the maximum level of 7 on Japan's seismic intensity scale, while Amakusa and Ashikita recorded a lower level of 6. Videos shared online showed the extreme force of the disaster, capturing large buildings swaying heavily from side to side. No immediate reports of damage have emerged yet.