Powerful Earthquake In Japan: Explosion At Shopping Mall At Least 3 Dead At least three people were killed and dozens more injured when a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday, causing explosions at a shopping mall and the collapse of various structures.
Eight people have been rescued alive in an overnight rescue operation after an explosion at an Aeon mall following the earthquake, the Kumamoto prefectural government said on Wednesday morning. Two women in their 20s were confirmed dead, while one was found in cardiopulmonary arrest.
Japan’s fire service, police and the Self-Defense Force conducted rescue operations through the night. Officials said search and rescue operations were continuing, focusing on the location where calls for help came from inside the building.
About 300,000 people have been ordered to evacuate to safe areas and temporary shelters after the quake. The Kyushu region has been hit by aftershocks, prompting a heightened alert.
A section of the Aeon shopping mall, which houses about 200 stores, was completely destroyed by the explosion. Images of the building’s exterior collapsing, with steel structures protruding and debris strewn across the parking lot, have been released.
A witness near the scene said he was cleaning dishes after the quake when a huge explosion occurred, sending plumes of smoke billowing out like volcanic ash.
Meanwhile, some workers were left stranded after a chimney collapsed at a Nippon Paper Industries factory. More than 50 injured people are being treated in two hospitals, some of whom are said to be in critical condition. Some passengers on a high-speed train that was operating at the time of the quake were also injured.
Kyushu Electric Power said about 48,000 homes were without power after the quake. However, Japan’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority said there were no signs of any abnormalities at any of the nuclear power plants in the affected area.
A devastating earthquake in Kumamoto a decade ago killed 275 people and damaged thousands of buildings. Officials predict that the damage could be even worse this time.