Magnitude 7.1 earthquake strikes southern Japan, causing injuries and damage
A damaged wall is seen on the side of Aeon Mall Kumamoto after an earthquake in Kashima on July 28, 2026. "Many people" were feared trapped in a stricken shopping mall in Japan late on July 28, authorities said, after a major earthquake toppled build
JAPAN - A powerful earthquake struck southern Japan Tuesday, causing injuries, damaging buildings and trapping an unknown number of people inside a partially collapsed shopping mall, according to reporting by The Associated Press.
What happened
The earthquake struck Kumamoto on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu late Tuesday afternoon.
Japan measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.1. The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported the same magnitude before revising its estimate to 6.8.
Officials said the shallow earthquake caused widespread shaking across the region.
Mall collapses
The second floor of the Aeon Mall shopping center in Kashima Town collapsed, according to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
An unknown number of people were trapped inside as rescue operations continued.
There was also a report of an explosion before the collapse, according to the Kyodo News Agency.
Injuries and damage reported
Japan’s prime minister said officials had received reports of injuries, fires, blackouts and damage to roads, bridges and buildings.
A hospital in Yatsushiro accepted approximately 40 people who were injured in the earthquake, according to Kyodo.
A train derailed and fell onto its side at Yatsushiro Station. Stone walls at Kumamoto Castle were also damaged.
Tsunami advisory lifted
A tsunami advisory was temporarily issued for the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas along the western coast of Kumamoto and three neighboring prefectures.
The advisory was lifted within two hours, and officials said no tsunami was observed.
Aftershocks possible
Officials warned residents to remain cautious over the next two to three days because of continued seismic activity and the possibility of aftershocks.
Residents were also urged to watch for broken glass, fires and additional structural damage.
Nuclear plants checked
Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority said no abnormalities were found at three nuclear power plants near the affected region.
The Source: This article was written using reporting from The Associated Press and information from Japanese emergency and weather officials.