A Powerful Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Has Hit Japan, Wreaking Havoc And Killing At Least 30 People
The earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu, Japan's southern main island.
A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit southwestern Japan on Tuesday, July 28, killing at least 30 people and many people are still missing.
The earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu, Japan's southern main island and the most serious damage happened at the Aeon Mall shopping center in the town of Kashima.
About 3,000 customers were evacuated to a parking lot, while an explosion, believed to be caused by gas, tore through another part of the building while some workers were still inside.
The mall's second floor collapsed, trapping people under the rubble.
Rescuers have pulled 11 people from the debris there, six of whom died.
In the nearby city of Yatsushiro, a chimney collapsed at a Nippon Paper Industries factory, killing eight workers, with one worker still unaccounted for.
Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi said on Thursday, July 30, that rescuers are racing to find survivors.
Officials have not given an exact number of people still missing, though local media have reported dozens remain unaccounted for.
At least 63 people were injured, five seriously.
The disaster has also cut off basic services.
Nearly 23,000 homes remain without electricity, and more than 10,000 people are staying in about 400 government-run shelters.
A severe heatwave is gripping the region, and authorities have been working to bring in power sources so shelters can run air conditioning.
Kyushu's train services, including bullet trains, were suspended after the quake, and a freight train derailed in Yatsushiro.
Dozens of aftershocks have since rattled the region, hampering rescue efforts.
Japan's Meteorological Agency has said strong aftershocks are possible for a week, and has also warned of an increased risk of landslides in the hardest-hit areas.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Cherry Mohamed
Cherry Mohamed
