Powerful earthquake hits Japan, with many people feared trapped in collapsed mall

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday afternoon, leaving nineteen people missing across two sites. The tremor occurred at 16:27 local time with a shallow epicentre 20km south of Kumamoto city. Rescue teams are currently focusing efforts on the Aeon Mall in Kashima, where the second floor collapsed, and the Nippon Paper plant in Yatsushiro City, where a chimney failed.

At the Aeon Mall, authorities confirmed four individuals were rescued but ten remain trapped under debris. Smoke was observed rising from the structure shortly after the initial shaking. Local officials are investigating the possibility of a gas leak at the site. Meanwhile, at the Nippon Paper plant, two individuals were found in a state of cardiac arrest and nine others are currently unaccounted for following the facility collapse.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the deployment of 3,600 members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces to assist with recovery operations. Reports indicate that electricity was cut to thousands of homes and multiple train lines suspended services to ensure safety. Hospitals in the region are treating at least 50 injured people, including residents from an elderly care facility impacted by the quake.

While a tsunami warning was issued shortly after the tremor, it was lifted within an hour. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant, located 100km from the epicentre, reported no safety issues and continues to function. The Japan Meteorological Agency has tracked over 60 aftershocks since the primary event, and residents in severe shaking zones remain under instructions to monitor local broadcast updates for ongoing evacuation orders.

This event highlights the significant seismic activity that characterizes the region. As recovery operations continue, the focus remains on locating missing individuals and securing damaged infrastructure across Kyushu island. Further updates will be provided by local disaster management divisions as structural assessments of buildings and bridges are finished.