Several people were trapped under rubble after a strong earthquake struck southwestern Japan, officials reported. Local media also reported an explosion at the Aeon Mall shopping center in Kumamoto following the 7.1 magnitude quake.
The tremors were felt on Kyushu Island at 16:27 local time (07:27 GMT). More than 150,000 people were ordered to evacuate to temporary shelters. The tsunami warning was lifted in less than an hour.
Emergency services reported that “many people” were trapped under the rubble in the Aeon Mall shopping center in Kumamoto Prefecture. In the city of Kashima, the fire department stated that “the second floor of the shopping complex collapsed, resulting in many people being trapped under the rubble.”
Consequences of the Earthquake and Warnings
Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, recording about 1,500 earthquakes annually. The Meteorological Agency warned of possible strong aftershocks, as the earthquake’s epicenter was only 10 km deep.
Footage shown by the national broadcaster NHK revealed cracked roads and bridges, as well as several buildings engulfed in flames. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Tuesday: “We are still assessing the extent of injuries and material damages, but we already know of several casualties.”
According to NHK, about 10 victims were in a nursing home, and at least 50 people were hospitalized. Train services were suspended, and thousands of homes were left without power.
Rescue Operation and Nuclear Power Plant Safety
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reported that the Japan Self-Defense Forces, fire departments, and the coast guard were involved in the response efforts. “We urge residents in areas where the tremors were particularly strong to carefully monitor local authorities’ announcements and calmly follow evacuation instructions,” he said.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on social media platform X that the earthquake did not affect the safety of the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant, located approximately 100 km from the epicenter. The plant continues to operate normally, and the agency stated that it would continue to monitor the situation.
Source: BBC World
