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Japan Quake: Shopping Mall Collapses, 13 Dead
30 Jul
Summary
- A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan, causing widespread damage.
- At least 13 people died, with rescue efforts ongoing at a collapsed shopping mall.
- Thousands of homes lost power and major companies suspended operations.
A devastating 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday night, claiming at least 13 lives and leaving over 36,000 homes without power. Rescue operations are in full swing at the Aeon shopping mall in Kumamoto, where eight people were extracted from the debris, three of whom did not survive. Authorities are investigating a potential gas explosion within the damaged structure.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to mobilize all available resources, likening the rescue efforts to a "race against time." Across the region, approximately 4,500 soldiers have been deployed to aid in recovery. Seven individuals remain missing after a chimney collapse at a paper factory, with four others sustaining serious injuries.
Major companies, including Renesas Electronics, Sony, and Honda, have suspended operations at their plants. Toyota has also halted work at three factories outside Kumamoto prefecture through Friday, citing concerns for suppliers. This event echoes a severe earthquake from a decade ago that resulted in 275 deaths and significant damage to buildings, including Kumamoto Castle.
