Japan Earthquake Triggers Mall Collapse as Rescue Teams Search for Missing Workers
Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Strikes Kumamoto, Japan, as Rescuers Search Collapsed Mall A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday, damaging buildings and infrastructure, disrupting transportation and leaving rescue teams searching a partially collapsed shopping mall. The earthquake struck at approximately 4:27 p.m. local time, according to reports citing Japan’s weather authorities. Strong shaking was felt across Kumamoto and surrounding prefectures, prompting emergency alerts and temporary tsunami advisories for nearby coastal areas. One of the most serious incidents occurred at an Aeon shopping mall in Kashima, where part of the building collapsed following reports of an explosion. Authorities said approximately 20 to 30 employees could not immediately be contacted as emergency crews searched the damaged structure. At least one death and dozens of injuries were reported in the early aftermath of the earthquake. Official...
