Emergency teams in Japan have launched a desperate search operation after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern region of Kumamoto, damaging buildings, triggering fires and leaving several people feared trapped inside a shopping mall.
The 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck on Tuesday afternoon, with the second floor of the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima town collapsing during the tremor.
Officials said a number of people could not initially be accounted for as rescue workers moved through the damaged structure.
Reports indicated that about 10 people were believed missing inside the mall, while earlier concerns suggested several employees had become unreachable.
Authorities were still working to confirm the number of casualties as rescue operations continued.
The disaster reportedly killed at least one person after a house collapsed, while more than 100 others sustained injuries across the affected areas.
Several hospitals received victims suffering from fractures, burns and injuries caused by falling objects.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae assured citizens that rescue teams would continue working throughout the night, prioritising the search for survivors.
“We will work tirelessly through the night, starting with the rescue and lifesaving of those affected, ” he said.
The earthquake caused widespread disruption, with power outages, fires, damaged roads and transport shutdowns reported across Kumamoto.
High-speed train services were suspended, while Kumamoto Airport temporarily closed before reopening later.
Residents described moments of panic as buildings shook violently. Chiharu Hara, a 35-year-old recruitment agent in Kumamoto, recalled the frightening experience.
“The office swayed violently side to side. I was afraid it would collapse. Everyone panicked, ” he said.
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces deployed thousands of personnel and aircraft to assess damage and support relief efforts.
They also confirmed that nuclear facilities in the region remained safe, with no immediate abnormalities reported.
The quake revived memories of previous disasters in Kumamoto, including the deadly 2016 earthquakes that killed hundreds and injured thousands.
Located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” Japan experiences frequent earthquakes due to its position on major tectonic plates.
The country is still haunted by the 2011 magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami disaster, which claimed thousands of lives and caused the Fukushima nuclear crisis.
