▲ Japan Earthquake
Damage reports are coming in following the explosion and subsequent collapse of a large shopping mall caused by a strong magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck near Uki City in Kumamoto Prefecture, western Kyushu, Japan, yesterday afternoon (the 28th).
NHK reported, citing police officials, that 20 to 30 employees at AEON Mall, a large shopping mall located in Kashimamachi, Kumamoto City, are currently out of reach and cannot be contacted.
Fire authorities stated that at around 9 p.m. last night, four people were transported to the hospital from the collapsed mall and that all of them were conscious.
Earlier, local media reported that an explosion occurred at the AEON Mall at around 6 p.m. yesterday due to the shock of the earthquake, causing parts of the building's roof and walls to collapse.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency of Japan believes that the second floor of the shopping mall collapsed, trapping a number of people inside.
As it is estimated that many are still trapped inside the building, rescue operations continued through the night.
While NHK reported that some injured people are being transported to hospitals, it has not yet been confirmed whether any fatalities have occurred.
The shopping mall was operating on the day, but immediately after the earthquake, shoppers were evacuated outside the building, with about 200 people seeking shelter in the outdoor parking lot.
NHK also reported that the safety of nearly 10 additional people remains unconfirmed due to this earthquake.
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