Strong Earthquake Traps Dozens Inside Japanese Shopping Mall

Sun Sep 06 2026 09:53:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A magnitude 7.1 quake hit south‑west Japan and collapsed the second floor of a mall in Kumamoto, leaving many trapped and injured.

The 7.1‑magnitude earthquake that struck Kyushu’s Kumamoto region threw the Aeon Mall’s second floor into rubble, trapping dozens of shoppers. Emergency services report multiple injuries, with at least 50 patients hospitalised and 10 in elder care. While a brief tsunami warning was issued, it was lifted within an hour. Train services south of Kumamoto have been suspended and power cut to thousands of homes as authorities prepare for aftershocks.

Dozens of shoppers were trapped inside the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto after a 7.1‑magnitude earthquake sent the second floor into dust.

The quake struck south‑west Japan on the island of Kyushu at 16:27 local time, jolting the region with more than 150,000 people ordered to move to evacuation shelters. Although a tsunami warning was briefly issued, it was lifted within an hour.

Firefighters reported that the second floor collapsed, leaving many people confined amid fractured floorboards and shattered windows. Rescue teams are working under hazardous conditions to free trapped victims while assessing injuries.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that injuries are still being evaluated, with nursing homes reporting about 10 wounded residents and hospitals treating at least 50 patients. Train services have been suspended and power has been disconnected for thousands of homes as aftershocks continue.

Japan, which records roughly 1,500 seismic events annually, is bracing for further tremors as the shallow epicentre sits only 10 km beneath the surface, raising the risk of aftershocks.

Local authorities have called for calm and urged residents to stay away from damaged structures until official clearance is issued.

For viewers, the situation remains fluid, with rescue operations ongoing and emergency updates pending. Stay tuned to the latest reports on this evolving disaster.