Live updates: Japan earthquake and rescue efforts, at least 13 dead in Kumamoto
A major earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan, has resulted in at least 13 deaths and significant structural damage, including a partial collapse of the Aeon Mall. Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities search for missing individuals trapped within the complex.
Why it matters
This event highlights the ongoing vulnerability of infrastructure in seismically active regions and the challenges of maintaining safety in large public commercial spaces.
Link Copied! Partially collapsed mall had 2,700 workers in nearly 200 shops and services By Brad Lendon A general view shows damage to part of the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Wednesday. Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images Four people are now believed to be missing or trapped at the Aeon Kumamoto mall, the shopping center operator said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
Roughly 2,700 staff worked at the mall, which partially collapsed from an explosion that occurred about an hour after the quake hit on Tuesday afternoon. Customers had been evacuated from the complex after the quake hit and before the blast.
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