18 Dead, Mall Collapses: Japan's 7.1 Quake Leaves Rescuers Digging for Survivors

18 Dead, Mall Collapses: Japan's 7.1 Quake Leaves Rescuers Digging for Survivors

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southwest Japan's Kumamoto region, killing at least 18 people and trapping dozens in a collapsed shopping mall as rescue crews comb through rubble.

· 2 min read ·
japandisasters

Soldiers and emergency workers searched through a collapsed shopping center and destroyed homes on Wednesday after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit the Kumamoto area on Kyushu island a day earlier. The prefectural government reported the death toll had risen to at least 18, with 62 people injured, six of them seriously [206380]. Officials warned the number of victims may rise as rescuers dig through the rubble [206380].

The main concern is the Aeon Mall in Kashima, which collapsed in the quake. An explosion occurred at the mall after employees and customers had evacuated, according to the mall's operator [206102]. However, Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency says many people may still be trapped inside, some injured. NHK, the national broadcaster, reported that contact has been lost with 20 to 30 mall employees [206102]. Nineteen people remain missing after the shopping center collapse, according to reports [206256].

One person died after being found in a collapsed house in Yatsushiro city, and police are trying to locate nine other missing people [206102]. A smokestack also collapsed at a paper plant in the region, leaving two people in cardiac arrest and nine unaccounted for [205925]. Emergency crews are searching the rubble there as well [205925].

The earthquake toppled other buildings and sparked fires across the area [205965]. Aftershocks continue to shake the region, complicating rescue efforts [205965]. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed injuries, building collapses, road damage, and fires in a social media post [206102]. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said 3,600 troops have been deployed for search and rescue [206102].

The quake disrupted transportation and power lines, and many residents have been evacuated to shelters [206041]. Japan's meteorological agency had issued tsunami advisories for coastal areas, warning of waves up to one meter high, but later lifted them [206102].

Sources

Japan Quake Kills 18; Rescuers Search Rubble for Survivors #20638030 Trapped After Mall Collapse in Japan Earthquake #20610219 Missing After Earthquake Collapses Mall in Southern Japan #206256Japan Mall Collapses; 1 Dead, Dozens Missing After 7.1 Quake #205965Smokestack Collapse in Japan: 2 in Cardiac Arrest, 9 Missing #205925Japan Earthquake: 13 Dead, Rescuers Search for Survivors #206041

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