Kumamoto earthquake: Korean resident describes intense shaking and sleepless night

A South Korean resident in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture described the terrifying experience of a magnitude 7.1 earthquake, reporting that her house shook violently, causing heavy appliances to shift significantly. Park Young-mi, who lives in Yatsushiro city, told a radio program that her refrigerator and washing machine moved about 15 to 16 centimeters from their original spots.

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The entire house shook violently from side to side, and things fell off the shelves. Heavy items like the cupboard, refrigerator, and washing machine moved 15 to 16 centimeters from their places.

She recounted feeling the entire house sway from side to side, with items falling from shelves. Park spent a sleepless night due to persistent aftershocks, describing a state of constant worry and tension. The earthquake, which struck early Thursday morning, registered a strong intensity of 6-upper on Japan's seismic scale in many areas near the epicenter, which was very shallow.

Park also spoke about a large shopping center, Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima town, where an explosion occurred followed by a collapse. She described the mall as a place she frequently visited for dining and leisure. The explosion, believed to be caused by a gas leak, led to the collapse of the second floor and exterior walls. Reports indicated that two women in their 20s died, and one person was in cardiac arrest, with an estimated 20 to 30 people potentially still trapped inside.

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I was very worried due to the aftershocks and spent the night in a state of tension.

Following the earthquake, numerous posts appeared on a popular Japanese travel community forum from Korean residents and tourists in Kumamoto. One resident described returning home to find their elevator non-functional and having to climb ten flights of stairs, with monitors toppled and kitchenware shattered. Another tourist expressed distress over train services being suspended, seeking advice on how to proceed with their family.

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It's a large shopping mall where you can enjoy dining and leisure together. I feel heartbroken about the accident.