Devastating Earthquake Strikes Japan: Casualties and Destruction Reported

Tragedy Unfolds in Kumamoto Following Earthquake

Kumamoto (Japan): On Wednesday, soldiers and emergency responders searched through the wreckage of a severely damaged shopping mall and collapsed homes in a desperate effort to find survivors after a powerful earthquake struck, claiming the lives of at least 18 individuals, including one foreign national.

The 7.1 magnitude quake, which occurred the previous day in the Kumamoto region of Kyushu, also resulted in injuries to at least 62 people, with six sustaining serious injuries, according to local government reports. The number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

Significant destruction was reported at the Aeon Mall in Kashima city, which was crowded with shoppers at the time of the quake. Approximately 3,000 individuals were evacuated to a parking area just before a gas explosion erupted in another section of the mall, where some employees remained.

Fumika Ono, a 19-year-old shopper, described the terrifying moment when the ground shook violently, causing her to lose her balance. Panic ensued as children screamed and merchandise fell from shelves.

The oppressive heat added to the concerns for those trapped under debris, as rescuers worked tirelessly in the sweltering conditions. The number of missing persons remains uncertain.

In the Nuyamazu district, the gates of a 16th-century Buddhist temple collapsed, despite having been recently restored five years ago. Yuki Kiyozumi, the temple's deputy chief priest, recounted how she had to crawl on the floor during the quake, having just returned home.

Kiyozumi expressed uncertainty about the possibility of rebuilding the temple as she cleared away damaged items.

The mall's second floor collapsed, trapping individuals inside. Witnesses reported that the explosion was as powerful as the earthquake itself.

According to Aeon President Akio Yoshida, four fatalities were confirmed at the mall, with three individuals still unaccounted for.

Japanese media captured footage showing the mall's ceiling caved in, with debris scattered as rescue teams searched for survivors.

Kiyoshi Matsunaga, a 74-year-old resident near the mall, described his fear during the quake, recalling how he froze in place as items fell from the shelves.

In Yatsushino, a chimney collapse at a Nippon Paper Industries factory resulted in five deaths, with seven others rescued from the rubble. Four individuals are believed to still be trapped.

The first reported death of a foreign national was a Vietnamese intern who was killed when a crane fell on him at his workplace. He had arrived in Japan in January, while seven other interns managed to evacuate safely.

Additionally, a Vietnamese woman married to one of the workers was injured when a wall collapsed and is currently receiving treatment.

As of now, nearly 34,900 homes are without electricity, and around 15,000 lack running water. Over 8,800 individuals have sought refuge in more than 400 shelters, where efforts are being made to provide air conditioning.

Aerial footage revealed that several homes in residential areas were completely destroyed, with some collapsing into a nearby river.

Japan's Self-Defence Forces have joined the rescue efforts, with hundreds of professionals, including firefighters from Taiwan, assisting.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that there are still individuals awaiting rescue. The government is mobilizing resources to deliver food and essentials to the affected regions.

Train services have been suspended, and while operations at Aso Kumamoto Airport resumed, some flights were canceled as a precaution.

This earthquake follows a deadly quake in 2016 that resulted in at least 50 fatalities.