The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kyushu, Japan’s southern main island, on Tuesday, causing widespread damage across Kumamoto Prefecture.
The quake damaged homes and infrastructure, triggered an explosion at a shopping mall and caused a factory chimney to collapse, leaving thousands displaced and disrupting electricity and other essential services.
Rescue Operations Continue at Shopping Mall
Emergency crews remained focused on the damaged Aeon Mall in the town of Kashima, one of the areas hardest hit by the earthquake.
The shopping center was crowded with visitors when the quake struck.
According to company officials, about 3,000 shoppers were evacuated to a parking area before an explosion occurred in another section of the mall where some employees had remained inside.
The building’s second floor later collapsed, trapping people beneath the structure.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Friday that seven people had been confirmed dead at the mall.
Rescue teams have pulled 11 survivors from the rubble.
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Authorities have not disclosed how many people remain missing as search operations continue.
Factory Search Ends After Chimney Collapse
Emergency crews completed search operations at a Nippon Paper Industries factory in the Yatsushiro area, where a chimney collapsed during the earthquake.
Kihara said rescuers pulled 11 people from the site, while nine others were confirmed dead.
Officials said no additional victims were believed to remain beneath the debris.
Thousands Remain in Evacuation Shelters
The Kumamoto prefectural government said 34 deaths have been confirmed as directly related to the earthquake. Another fatality remains under investigation.
Authorities previously reported that more than 80 people were injured, including five with serious injuries.
More than 3,500 homes were still without electricity on Friday.
More than 9,000 residents remained in evacuation shelters as recovery efforts entered a new phase.
Officials have installed additional power supplies at shelters to operate air conditioning as high temperatures raise concerns about heat-related illnesses among evacuees.
Recovery Efforts Continue
Emergency workers continue inspecting damaged buildings, clearing debris and searching affected communities for anyone still missing.
Authorities are also working to restore electricity, transportation and other essential services as recovery continues from one of Japan’s deadliest earthquakes this year.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
