Earthquake Strikes Southern Japan Causing Major Disruptions

Southern Japan is dealing with the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck the region. Officials report that multiple individuals are trapped inside a mall following the earthquake. The incident took place in the AEON Mall, which suffered significant damage.

According to local fire officials, an explosion was heard on the second floor of the AEON Mall. State broadcaster NHK shared footage showing numerous fire trucks stationed in the mall’s parking lot. The images showcased the mall’s collapsed ceilings and facade, and a road covered in debris.

This earthquake, registered at a magnitude of 7.1, disrupted various areas of southwestern Japan. At JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka, passengers were seen crowding the station as bullet train services were put on hold. The scene in Kumamoto Prefecture included fallen shelves and office equipment, along with the collapse of a store’s exterior wall in Kumamoto City.

The quake resulted in substantial damage, with state broadcaster NHK reporting at least 12 buildings had collapsed. Among these, four cases involved individuals trapped inside. Most damages occurred in Yatsushiro, a city in the Kumamoto Prefecture. NHK presented aerial footage displaying the damage to a large commercial facility and mall. The footage revealed a collapsed ceiling and exposed internal structures. Additionally, pillars supporting a shrine had fallen, and one building caught fire. The broadcaster reported at least seven fires in Kumamoto Prefecture.

The earthquake caused a train derailment, injured dozens, and led to a regional tsunami warning. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 7.1 with a depth of 10 kilometers. The earthquake was at the uppermost end of the seismic intensity scale. It struck around 4:27 p.m. local time, and a tsunami advisory was issued for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas moments later. The warning was subsequently lifted.

Japan experiences frequent seismic activity, classifying it as one of the most earthquake-prone countries globally. Positioned on the “Ring of Fire,” where multiple tectonic plates meet, Japan encounters a significant number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Approximately 20% of global earthquakes measuring 6.0 or higher occur in Japan. Since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that led to reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, Japan has enhanced its earthquake warning systems and evacuation protocols.