TOKYO, July 28 – Search and rescue operations continued through the night in southwestern Japan after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kyushu, leaving people missing in a partially collapsed shopping mall and a damaged factory as emergency crews raced against time to find survivors.
The earthquake, centered in Kumamoto Prefecture, caused widespread destruction, damaging roads, bridges and buildings, disrupting transport services, and triggering power outages affecting tens of thousands of homes. A tsunami advisory issued immediately after the quake was lifted less than two hours later.
The most serious rescue operation is underway at the Aeon Mall in Kashima Town, where part of the second floor collapsed following reports of an explosion, believed by investigators to have been caused by a possible gas leak. Authorities said 20 to 30 employees remain unaccounted for, while several people were rescued and taken to hospital.
Rescue teams are also searching a damaged paper factory after a chimney collapsed during the quake, leaving workers missing beneath the debris. Emergency crews have been forced to proceed cautiously because of frequent aftershocks and the risk of further structural collapses.
At least one death has been confirmed, while more than 90 people have been treated for injuries across the affected region. Japanese authorities have warned residents to remain alert for additional aftershocks and possible landslides.
The earthquake also disrupted transportation across Kyushu, suspending bullet train services, grounding flights and forcing the temporary closure of several factories, including facilities operated by major manufacturers such as TSMC, Sony and Honda. Officials said nearby nuclear power plants reported no abnormalities.
The disaster has revived memories of the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, which killed dozens of people and caused extensive damage across the region.
