In brief
A 7.1‑magnitude earthquake hit Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu at 16:27 local time, prompting mass evacuations. The quake collapsed the second floor of the Aeon Mall, leaving many trapped and several staff missing. Historic Kumamoto Castle walls and a footbridge also collapsed, and power cuts affected over 40,000 households. Over 60 aftershocks followed, and a brief tsunami warning was issued.
A 7.1‑magnitude quake hit Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu island at 16:27 local time on Tuesday, sending about 300,000 people to evacuation centres.
When and Where?
The epicentre is located near Kumamoto city, the third‑largest city on Kyushu and a frequent epicentre for Japan’s seismic activity.
Inside the Mall
Fire crews have reported that the second floor of the Aeon Mall collapsed, trapping many shoppers and staff inside. Police say 20–30 employees are missing after contact was lost.
Other Damage Around Kumamoto
The quake also toppled parts of the historic Kumamoto Castle, collapsed a footbridge, damaged roads, cut power for more than 40,000 households and triggered over 60 aftershocks.
A tsunami warning was issued immediately after the earthquake but was lifted within two hours.
