Several dead in Japan after 7.1 quake triggers mall blast

Deadly Quake Strikes Southern Japan

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck southern Japan on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction and a rising death toll. The quake, which hit in the early afternoon, was centred near the city of Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu.

The most devastating single incident occurred at a busy Aeon shopping mall in Kumamoto, where the shaking triggered an explosion followed by a partial collapse. Local authorities have confirmed several deaths at the site, with rescue teams racing against time to reach dozens of people feared trapped under the debris.

Firefighters and military personnel have been deployed, using heavy equipment and search dogs to locate survivors. The cause of the blast is not yet clear, but initial reports suggest it may have been linked to a gas leak ruptured by the violent tremors.

Infrastructure and Transport Crippled

The earthquake has caused severe damage to buildings and infrastructure across the region. A major bridge has collapsed, cutting off a key transport link. Several older structures have been reported as partially or fully destroyed.

Transport networks have been thrown into chaos. All train services in the affected area, including the Shinkansen bullet train lines, have been suspended indefinitely. Kumamoto Airport has been closed to assess runway damage, stranding hundreds of passengers. Major highways have also been shut down due to cracks and buckling.

Mass Evacuations Ordered

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for over 150,000 residents in low-lying coastal areas, fearing a potential tsunami. While the initial tsunami warning was for waves up to one metre, officials have urged people to move to higher ground as a precaution. The order covers parts of Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima prefectures.

Emergency shelters have been opened in schools and community centres, but many are already reaching capacity. The government has activated its crisis response unit, and Prime Minister’s office has stated that all resources are being mobilised for rescue and relief operations. The full extent of casualties and damage is still being assessed.

What Happens Next

Rescue operations will continue through the night as teams focus on the collapsed mall and other damaged structures. Aftershocks remain a serious risk, and the tsunami advisory will stay in effect until further notice. Officials warn that the death toll could rise as more reports come in from isolated areas.