In brief
A 6.8‑magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu island at 16:27 local time, triggering a devastating explosion in the Aeon shopping mall. Witnesses reported a roar and thick smoke, and the second floor collapsed shortly after the quake. The mall operator confirmed the blast occurred after staff and customers evacuated, and search teams are still combing the damaged structure for survivors. The emergency underscores the vulnerability of high‑rise buildings to seismic activity in Japan. Updates are being issued by authorities and emergency services.
A mid‑day earthquake rattled Kumamoto Prefecture, and minutes later a large explosion tore through the Aeon shopping mall on Kyushu island. According to the mall operator, the blast occurred after staff and shoppers had already evacuated, leaving the second floor partially collapsed.
Search teams are still scouring the damaged structure for survivors, while witnesses report intense smoke and a shockwave that shattered windows. The quake, measured at magnitude 6.8, struck at 16:27 local time (07:27 GMT) Tuesday.
For a deeper look into the unfolding emergency and official updates, read the full story here.
