Japan earthquake kills two, injures over 100 at shopping mall

A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday, killing at least two people and injuring more than 100, with a major shopping mall partially collapsing and trapping victims. The quake hit Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu island in the late afternoon, causing widespread damage to roads, bridges, and buildings and knocking out power to thousands of homes.

Deadly collapse at Aeon Mall

The most devastating single incident occurred at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto shopping centre, one of the largest in the region with roughly 200 shops. Rescuers worked through the night to extract eight people from the rubble. Two women in their 20s were confirmed dead, and one other person was reported in cardiopulmonary arrest. The five others were injured but their conditions were not life-threatening, according to prefectural officials. Firefighters reported an explosion shortly after the earthquake, and a government official cited a possible gas leak, though the cause remains unknown. Aerial footage showed one side of the mall torn away, exposing steel beams and scattering debris across the adjacent car park, where ambulances and fire engines gathered as search teams continued operations.

Widespread damage and casualties

Beyond the mall, the quake caused extensive destruction across the region. Kyodo News reported one person died when a house collapsed in southwest Japan. Two hospitals each reported more than 50 injuries, with NHK quoting a hospital employee: 'People are coming in with burns and fractures from being trapped under objects due to the earthquake, and ambulances are constantly bringing in injured people. Inside the hospital, there are water leaks and electrical system failures.' Several passengers on a high-speed train were injured, and more people were missing after a chimney collapsed at a Nippon Paper Industries factory. Large fissures appeared on major roads, including an elevated highway, and several buildings caught fire or partially collapsed.

Government response and aftershocks

Japan's prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, told reporters that authorities were still assessing the damage, noting power outages, fires, and infrastructure damage. 'I ask everyone to take action to protect themselves, including evacuating to a safe location,' she said. About 300,000 people were instructed to go to evacuation centres, according to the disaster management agency. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that areas with the largest tremors remain at risk of strong aftershocks and landslides for about a week, since the shallow earthquake is triggering seismic activity. More than 60 aftershocks, ranging from magnitude 1 to 4, have already occurred. A tsunami warning was issued but lifted within two hours.

Implications and next steps

The quake struck a region still scarred by a deadly earthquake a decade ago. Prime Minister Takaichi pledged that emergency responders would work tirelessly through the night, starting with rescue and lifesaving efforts. As rescue operations continue at the Aeon Mall and other sites, the priority remains locating survivors and treating the injured. The events also highlight Japan's ongoing vulnerability to seismic disasters, despite its advanced preparedness systems. In the coming days, authorities will conduct detailed damage assessments, while residents face the threat of further quakes and landslides. Companies such as TSMC, Sony, and Fujifilm, which evacuated workers from the affected area, will monitor operations as the situation develops.