Multiple people trapped inside shopping centre in Japan after earthquake – live updates
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake has struck southwestern Japan, causing significant damage including the collapse of a shopping mall in Kumamoto. Emergency services are currently responding to reports of people trapped inside the structure.
Why it matters
Major seismic events in Japan pose immediate threats to infrastructure and public safety, requiring rapid emergency response.
People are trapped inside a shopping mall that was damaged in a major earthquake today in southwestern Japan , emergency services have said.
In “Kashima town, a shopping complex’s second floor collapsed, leaving many people trapped inside,” the local fire department said in a statement.
Earlier, police said they had received reports of what sounded like an explosion at the Aeon Mall outlet in the Kumamoto region, but were unable to supply additional information on damage or any casualties.
The reports come after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit southern Japan.
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