International
oi-Swastika Sruti
In the latest development, Japan witnessed one of the most powerful earthquakes of magnitude – 7.1 on Tuesday (July 28).
Following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake on July 28 in Japan, an explosion occurred at Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, causing the second floor to partially collapse, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations.
Following the earthquake a massive explosion was witnessed at the shopping mall in Kumamoto Prefecture. Emergency teams are continuing search and rescue efforts as officials assess the extent of the damage.
Explosion Reported at Aeon Mall Kumamoto
Informing that the initial reports state that explosions occurred at Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima Town a few hours after the earthquake. The retailer stated that the customers were immediately evacuated following the incident. It is believed that several people remained inside the building when part of the structure collapsed.
The exact number of the people trapped or casualties has not been revealed while the rescue operation is on.
🚨BREAKING:
🇯🇵 A powerful M7.1 earthquake just hit near Kumamoto, Japan, and a tsunami advisory is now in effect.
The shaking reached the top of Japans intensity scale, meaning it was violent right at the epicenter.#japanearthquake #Japan#Earthquake pic.twitter.com/fxXxaOEPgD
— Ravinder Singh (@ravindraJourno) July 28, 2026
Second Floor Partially Collapses
Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, quoting fire department officials, reported that part of the mall’s second floor collapsed after the explosion.
The fire department said several people were trapped under the debris following the incident. Emergency personnel have been deployed to carry out rescue operations and secure the area.
Rescue Operations Underway
The rescue authorities have cordoned off the area near the mall.
Officials are assessing whether the explosion was directly linked to damage caused by the earthquake. No official cause has been announced so far, and investigations are ongoing.
