A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday, leaving a grim toll of casualties, including several fatalities and numerous injuries. The quake resulted in the collapse of part of a shopping center and a significant chimney at a paper factory, according to statements from local officials. Initially, a tsunami advisory was issued but was rescinded shortly thereafter.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed that at least three people had died, including two individuals found without vital signs at the mall later that evening. Approximately 30 others were reported injured across Kagoshima Prefecture, as reported on Wednesday.
The quake specifically affected Kashima Town, where the second floor of the Aeon Mall shopping center collapsed, trapping an unspecified number of individuals inside. Reports from the fire department in Kumamoto, the prefectural capital, indicated that a gas leak might have caused the explosion that preceded the collapse. A shopkeeper recounted fleeing the mall after hearing the quake alert, only to later witness a devastating explosion that sent large plumes of white smoke into the air.
Witness testimonies described ominous signs; a female mall employee reported smelling gas before the explosion occurred. As searches continued, a man reported that a friend working in the mall was missing, expressing hope for the safe rescue of those unaccounted for.
At the Nippon Paper Industries Co.'s Yatsushiro factory, a collapsed chimney trapped 11 workers beneath the wreckage. Tragically, two of these individuals were later confirmed dead, while the conditions of the remaining nine are still unknown. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities attempting to ascertain the full extent of the damage.
In total, over 260,000 people were advised to evacuate, primarily from Kumamoto and also from neighboring Nagasaki Prefecture. The quake's epicenter is located approximately 900 kilometers (540 miles) southwest of Tokyo, Japan's capital.
The Japan Meteorological Agency lifted the tsunami advisory covering the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas along the western coast of Kumamoto and three adjacent prefectures within two hours. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed reports of infrastructure damage, including to roads, bridges, and buildings, as well as incidences of blackouts and fires, although specific details remained unclear.
Encouragingly, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency indicated that major public facilities and critical infrastructure had not suffered severe damage. The Nuclear Regulation Authority also reported that no abnormalities were detected at three nuclear power plants in proximity to the earthquake's impact zone. Local police in Kumamoto have received over 100 emergency calls in the wake of the event.
Medical facilities faced increased pressure as hospitals in Yatsushiro treated approximately 40 individuals with injuries, while about 50 more were sent to a hospital in Kumamoto city. Several leading manufacturers in Kyushu, including Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co., and Nippon Paper, suspended operations in response to the disaster, with Toyota planning to resume by Wednesday following safety evaluations.
Additionally, rail services, including Shinkansen bullet trains, were halted for safety inspections, and Aso Kumamoto Airport's runway was closed with no immediate timeline for resuming operations. A train at Yatsushiro station was reported to have derailed, alongside damage to the stone walls of Kumamoto Castle, a popular tourist site still under repair since the catastrophic earthquake in 2016 that resulted in the death of at least 50 individuals.
Local officials reflected on the experience, with one remarking that the tremors evoked memories of the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. The Japan Meteorological Agency urged residents to remain vigilant over the coming days as aftershocks may occur.
At an international level, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres’ deputy spokesperson conveyed condolences and support for the affected communities in Japan. Farhan Haq stated, “Our hearts go out to the people affected by this earthquake,” assuring that while national authorities lead the response efforts, the U.N. stands ready to assist if necessary.
