Thirteen people have died following a major 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck south-western Japan on July 28, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on July 29. The powerful tremor severely damaged regional infrastructure, knocking out power to thousands of homes and triggering a deadly explosion at a major shopping center on Japan’s south-western island of Kyushu.
Shopping Mall Blast and Rescue Operations in Kumamoto
Rescuers working overnight pulled eight people from the Aeon Mall Kumamoto shopping centre after an explosion tore through the building following the initial quake, according to the prefectural government. Of those eight individuals, two women in their 20s were confirmed dead, and one person was reported in cardiopulmonary arrest. Five others sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency fire rescue teams, police, and Self-Defence Force personnel concentrated their search on areas where calls for help originated. Footage showed one side of the 200-store mall blown away, exposing steel beams and scattering debris across the parking lot.
Infrastructure Damage and Industrial Impact Across Kyushu
The earthquake’s epicenter struck about 20 kilometers south of Kumamoto City, damaging roads, bridges, and buildings. According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, at least five people died initially, including two in the mall and three elsewhere in the Kumamoto region. Broadcaster NHK reported multiple people unaccounted for after a chimney collapsed at a Nippon Paper Industries factory. Major manufacturers including TSMC, Sony, and Fujifilm evacuated workers, while Tokyo Electron suspended operations at two Kumamoto factories through Wednesday, and Honda temporarily idled its motorcycle plant.
Did You Know?
Japan sits along the seismically active “Ring of Fire” and accounts for roughly 20 percent of the world’s earthquakes measuring magnitude 6.0 or greater.
Power Outages and Transportation Disruptions
Kyushu Electric Power reported that 48,000 homes lost power following the tremor. Railway operator JR Kyushu suspended services, including high-speed bullet trains, while Kumamoto Airport shut its runway as airlines cancelled and diverted flights. Large cracks split major highways, disrupting traffic as authorities responded to multiple building fires and partial collapses. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned residents in the hardest-hit areas to remain on alert for strong aftershocks and landslides over the coming week, while officials also issued heatstroke warnings as temperatures were forecast to reach 34 degrees Celsius on July 29.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many casualties were reported from the earthquake?
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that 13 people died following the 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck south-western Japan on July 28.
Were nuclear power stations affected by the tremor?
Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority reported no irregularities at nuclear power stations in the affected area.
What caused the blast at the Kumamoto shopping center?
A spokesperson for mall operator Aeon stated that customers and employees evacuated immediately after the initial quake, and authorities are currently investigating a possible gas explosion.
Pro Tip
If you live in a seismically active zone, keep an emergency evacuation kit prepared and monitor local meteorological agency updates for aftershock risks and weather advisories.
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