Powerful earthquake kills at least 28 in Japans Kumamoto Prefecture; explosion traps shoppers in mall
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, 2026, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least 28 lives, according to the latest reports from the Japanese government.
The earthquake, which struck at 4:27 pm local time, has left a trail of destruction in its wake. The death toll has risen to 28, with many more injured and missing, as search and rescue operations continue, according to a report by the Japanese TV sender NHK.
The epicenter of the quake was located around 20 kilometers south of Kumamoto City. The earthquake caused the collapse of numerous buildings, including a shopping center and a paper mill. At the Aeon Mall in Kashima, an explosion followed the initial quake, causing the second floor to collapse and trapping multiple people inside, according to fire officials. Rescue workers have pulled four bodies from the wreckage of the mall, and several others remain missing.
At the Nippon Paper Industries plant in Yatsushiro, a chimney collapsed, and two people were found without vital signs, with nine others still missing, according to local reports.
In addition to the human toll, the earthquake has caused significant damage to infrastructure. Thousands of households are without electricity and water, and transportation services, including the Kyushu Shinkansen line, have been suspended, according to local authorities. The historic walls of Kumamoto Castle, which were also damaged in the 2016 earthquake, have suffered further collapse.
The Japanese government has deployed thousands of troops and rescue workers to the affected areas. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has described the situation as a "race against time" to save those trapped under the rubble, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's office.
The earthquake has also triggered numerous aftershocks, complicating rescue efforts. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of potential further seismic activity, and residents have been advised to remain vigilant.
As of now, more than 10,000 people are staying in evacuation centers, with authorities working to provide essential supplies and support, according to the Kumamoto prefectural government. The government has also set up additional power sources for air conditioning units in the shelters, as temperatures are expected to reach up to 35 degrees Celsius.
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