Kumamoto Earthquake Triggers Mall Collapse, Factory Disaster; Death Toll Rises

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on March 28, leaving a trail of destruction and a rising death toll. As of the evening of March 29, at least 14 people were confirmed dead, with six others in cardiac arrest and seven still missing.

The AEON Mall in Kashima Town became a scene of tragedy when an explosion occurred, leading to the collapse of its second floor. Four people were confirmed dead, one suffered cardiac arrest, and five were injured. AEON President Akio Yoshida and AEON Mall President Keiji Ohno issued apologies, expressing deep sorrow for the loss of life and vowing full support for the victims and their families. The mall was crowded with approximately 3,000 customers due to the summer holidays when the earthquake struck, and an evacuation was initiated. However, about 50 minutes later, a significant explosion occurred on the second floor of the mall's south side. Investigators suspect a gas leak may have caused the explosion, pending official findings.

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We are deeply pained by the deaths of the people and offer our deepest apologies.

Another major disaster site was Nippon Paper's Yatsushiro factory in Yatsushiro City, where a smokestack collapsed due to the earthquake, trapping 11 employees. Five workers died from their injuries, two were rescued with injuries, and four remain missing. This factory is Nippon Paper's sole production base in Kyushu, specializing in copy, book, and newsprint paper. The damage is considered more severe than during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, when the smokestack remained intact.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that strong aftershocks, potentially reaching seismic intensity 7, could occur over the next week, with the highest frequency expected in the two to three days following the main quake. Authorities have issued evacuation orders and safety assurances for over 90,000 residents in two cities. Approximately 34,000 households are experiencing power outages, and about 84,000 households in Kumamoto and surrounding prefectures are without water.

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We are deeply saddened by the earthquake in Kumamoto and extend our sincere condolences and solidarity to the Japanese people, the affected families, and Prime Minister Kishida.