Severe Earthquake Strikes Southwest, Casualties Rise
A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit the southwest region on Tuesday, resulting in at least 18 fatalities and injuring 62 others.
The toll of casualties increased as rescue teams and military personnel combed through debris in search of survivors.
The earthquake occurred at 4:27 p.m. local time—3:27 a.m. Eastern Time—near Kumamoto city in Kyushu’s southern area. Several significant aftershocks followed the initial tremor.
The town of Kashima suffered the most damage, particularly at a shopping center named Aeon Mall, which was partially destroyed, leading to many individuals being confined indoors. Officials reported evacuating around 3,000 people from the affected mall area before a gas explosion struck other parts of the structure, leaving some behind.
The Associated Press noted that the mall’s gas explosion was nearly as powerful as the earthquake itself. Much of the second floor collapsed, trapping many victims. While rescuers managed to reach several, as of Wednesday morning, three individuals remained missing, and four had been confirmed deceased.
Akio Yoshida, president of the mall, indicated that the cause of the gas explosion is still under investigation. He mentioned that the mall had been extensively renovated to adhere to Japan’s stricter seismic standards following damage from the 2016 earthquake.
Aeon Mall management extended their “deepest condolences” to the victims’ families, stating they were confirming the safety of all store employees. By Wednesday morning, approximately 2,700 employees were confirmed safe.
In addition to the mall, a 16th-century Buddhist temple faced severe damage, with its gate collapsing just five years after a comprehensive restoration. Officials are uncertain if repairs are possible this time.
The historic Kumamoto Castle, established in the early 17th century, reported damages and announced it would conduct safety inspections, restricting visitor access until further notice.
Reports specified five fatalities due to a chimney collapse at a local paper mill, and a Vietnamese trainee lost their life when a crane fell. The trainee, who had recently arrived in January, marks the first foreign casualty linked to the earthquake.
Disaster response teams indicated that the day following the earthquake, about 36,900 homes remained without electricity, and 9,500 lacked gas. Over 9,000 residents had to evacuate to centers, exacerbated by a heat wave pushing temperatures over 90 degrees, making it risky to stay in non-air-conditioned buildings.
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces joined the rescue efforts alongside numerous emergency responders from around the country, with assistance from Taiwan as well. Much of their focus has been on Aeon Mall and Nippon Paper Mill, where survivors might be trapped beneath the rubble.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her heartfelt sympathies for those affected by the disaster in a social media post. She committed to ensuring the government would work tirelessly to assess the damage and implement emergency measures aimed at rescuing victims.
Takaichi emphasized the necessity of providing essential items like food, water, and portable air conditioners to safeguard individuals from heat-related issues and facilitate safe evacuations.
Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te also shared his condolences via social media, highlighting the bond between Taiwan and Japan and offering Taiwan’s readiness to assist as needed. He expressed heartfelt prayers for everyone in the affected areas.
