Economy
In Focus: Powerful magnitude-7.1 earthquake jolts Kumamoto
Explosion and partial collapse reported at mall in southwestern Japan Search and rescue operations at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in the town of Kashima after an earthquake struck July 28. Many people are feared trapped inside the building. © Kyodo TOKYO -- A powerful earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.1 struck southwestern Japan's Kumamoto prefecture around 4:27 p.m. Tuesday. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake originated in the Kumamoto region on the island of Kyushu at a depth of about 16 kilometers. It is the first quake in the country to reach the maximum intensity level of 7 on Japan's seismic scale since the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. The agency warned that strong temblors may continue for about a week, especially over the next two to three days. Following the quake, an explosion occurred at Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima, retailer Aeon said. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that part of the second floor collapsed, leaving many people trapped. Police officials said 20 to 30 people, including employees, may still be inside. Aeon said the explosion happened after customers had been evacuated and that the cause and extent of the damage are under investigation.
