- Many shoppers are trapped after a 7.1 magnitude quake damages Aeon mall in Kumamoto, Japan.
- In their initial estimate, local police said nine people were unaccounted for, but Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stressed that the number of casualties and extent of the damage was unclear and still being assessed.
- Most customers were evacuated once the earthquake hit, but emergency services are still trying to establish whether any customers are missing, according to NHK.
- NHK reports that many people are trapped after a shopping mall partially collapsed after a 6.8-magnitude quake, causing a highway bridge to buckle and at least one other building to collapse.
- One hospital had reported more than 50 injuries, according to NHK.
- Twenty to 30 employees cannot be contacted after a shopping mall partially collapsed in an explosion following the earthquake, as reported by NHK.
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto, Japan, on Tuesday, leading to the partial collapse of the Aeon mall and trapping many shoppers inside.1
According to NHK, emergency services are working to assess the situation, with reports indicating that over 50 people were injured in the disaster.
Initial estimates from local police suggest that nine individuals are unaccounted for, while 20 to 30 employees remain unreachable following the incident.
Most customers were evacuated promptly after the quake, but authorities are still determining if any shoppers are missing.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized that the extent of the damage and the number of casualties are still being evaluated, highlighting the ongoing nature of the emergency response.2
The earthquake also caused significant structural damage, including a highway bridge buckling and the collapse of at least one other building, as reported by NHK.
As emergency services continue their efforts, the situation remains fluid, with updates expected as assessments progress.
“Local police reported nine people unaccounted for, while Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized that the number of casualties and extent of damage remain unclear. Additionally, NHK noted that 20 to 30 employees cannot be contacted following the mall's partial collapse after the earthquake.”
