Kumamoto earthquake death toll rises to 5; dozens trapped in collapsed shopping mall

The death toll from a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Japan's Kyushu region on April 28 has risen to five, as rescue operations continue amidst widespread damage. The powerful quake caused significant destruction, including the collapse of a major shopping center and damage to industrial facilities.

In Kashima, Kumamoto, the second floor of the 'Aeon Mall Kumamoto' shopping center collapsed around 5:50 PM on April 28. Initial reports suggest a possible explosion due to gas leaks preceded the collapse. By the morning of April 29, eight people had been rescued from the building, but two women in their 20s were confirmed dead, and one person was in cardiopulmonary arrest. The Kumamoto Prefectural Emergency Response Team reported that four injured individuals were transported to the hospital, while the whereabouts of ten others remained unknown. Media reports indicated that 20 to 30 people might still be trapped inside the mall, but access remains difficult due to safety concerns.

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The earthquake warning sounded, and I evacuated outside the building. About an hour later, there was an explosion-like sound and smoke billowed up.

Further complicating rescue efforts, a chimney at the Nippon Paper factory in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, collapsed, trapping 11 workers. Two of these workers were later found in cardiopulmonary arrest, with the condition of the remaining nine unconfirmed. The Japan Meteorological Agency has urged residents to remain vigilant for the next two to three days, anticipating potential aftershocks.

The earthquake's impact extended to the region's infrastructure and industry. Toyota Motor temporarily suspended operations at three factories in Kyushu due to safety concerns but planned to resume operations on April 29. Other companies like Nippon Paper and Yamato Transport also halted operations or suspended delivery services in the affected areas. High-speed rail services and regular train lines were suspended for safety checks, and the runway at Aso Kumamoto Airport was closed with no immediate prospect of reopening. The quake also caused damage to the stone walls of Kumamoto Castle, a major tourist attraction still undergoing restoration from the 2016 earthquake.

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After helping customers evacuate, I returned to the store and smelled gas, then heard an explosion.