30 Trapped After Mall Collapse in Japan Earthquake

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday, killing at least one person and injuring about 80 others. Authorities fear up to 30 people are trapped inside a collapsed shopping mall in Kumamoto prefecture. The quake hit at 4:27 p.m. local time, 10 kilometers below the surface on the island of Kyushu. Japan’s Meteorological Agency initially issued a tsunami warning but later lifted it. The main concern is the Aeon Mall in Kashima. An explosion occurred there after employees and customers had evacuated, according to the mall’s operator. However, Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency says many people may still be trapped inside, some injured. NHK, the national broadcaster, reports that contact has been lost with 20 to 30 mall employees. One person died after being found in a collapsed house in Yatsushiro city. Police are trying to locate nine other missing people. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed injuries, building collapses, road damage, and fires in a social media post. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said 3,600 troops have been deployed for search and rescue. Japan sits on the Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic zone, and its buildings are designed to withstand strong earthquakes. Separately, two earthquakes of magnitude 5.7 and 5.8 struck a remote area of Qinghai province in northwestern China on Tuesday. No casualties have been reported.