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Japan: Multiple deaths reported after 7.1-magnitude earthquake triggers mall explosion 
28 Jul 2026

Multiple deaths are being reported after a shopping mall collapsed during a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in southern Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday.

According to fire officials, the explosion caused an upper story of the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima Town to collapse.

Aeon, the mall operator, stated that customers were being evacuated and that the situation was still being assessed.

Injuries and property damage reported
Damage assessment

The quake hit Kyushu island at 4:27pm local time (0727 GMT), triggering tsunami warnings that were later lifted as no tsunami activity was observed.

"We are still assessing the extent of injuries and property damage, but I have been informed that there have already been several injuries," Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said.

Around 45,000 households lost power due to the quake, although three nuclear reactors in Kumamoto continued to operate normally without any abnormalities detected.

Japan is highly prone to earthquakes
Historical context

Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries, located at the intersection of four tectonic plates along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The country experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually and accounts for roughly 18% of global seismic activity.

Kumamoto has witnessed major earthquakes in the past, including a deadly 2016 quake that killed over 270 people and injured thousands.