Three mall workers remained missing after an explosion followed the powerful shaking in Kumamoto Prefecture.
KUMAMOTO, Japan — Soldiers and emergency crews searched a badly damaged shopping mall, factory and collapsed homes Wednesday after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake killed at least 18 people and injured dozens across southwestern Japan.
The earthquake struck the Kumamoto region on the island of Kyushu at 4:27 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The agency placed its center about 10 kilometers, or 6 miles, underground and recorded the strongest level on Japan’s seven-point seismic intensity scale in some communities. The disaster caused widespread structural damage, utility failures and transportation disruptions as repeated aftershocks complicated rescue work.
Some of the most serious damage occurred at the Aeon Mall in Kashima, where about 3,000 customers were evacuated after the shaking began. An explosion later struck another part of the shopping center while some employees were still inside, causing the second floor to collapse and trapping workers beneath debris.
Four deaths had been confirmed at the mall by Wednesday, and three employees remained missing, Aeon President Akio Yoshida said. The number of missing was reduced as the company checked the whereabouts of thousands of workers. Rescue teams continued searching damaged sections of the building while investigators examined whether leaking gas caused the explosion.
Officials had not announced a final cause for the blast. Emergency workers reported smelling gas inside the structure, but authorities said the investigation remained underway. Witnesses described the explosion as powerful enough to shake the surrounding neighborhood after the initial earthquake had already damaged the area.
The mall had been crowded when the earthquake struck. Merchandise fell from shelves as shoppers tried to protect themselves and reach exits. Customers were directed into the parking lot before the explosion, preventing a potentially larger loss of life. Officials said people were still working in another section of the building when the blast occurred.
Another major rescue operation was underway at a Nippon Paper Industries factory in Yatsushiro, where a chimney collapsed. Five people were killed, seven were pulled from the wreckage and four others were believed to remain trapped, according to the Kumamoto prefectural government’s disaster response team.
A Vietnamese technical intern also died after a crane fell at another factory, according to Vietnamese officials. Seven other Vietnamese workers escaped, while the wife of one worker was injured by a collapsing wall and taken to a hospital. Other deaths were reported in collapsed homes and buildings across the region.
The Kumamoto prefectural government reported at least 62 injured people, including six with serious injuries. Some hospitals struggled to accept more patients because of power failures and heavy demand. One hospital near the earthquake’s center suspended admissions after treating dozens of injured people.
Nearly 34,900 homes remained without electricity Wednesday, while about 15,000 lacked running water. More than 8,800 people were staying in over 400 evacuation shelters. Officials worked to provide generators and air conditioning as high temperatures increased the risk of heat-related illness among evacuees and rescue workers.
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces joined police officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel searching the disaster zone. Firefighters from Taiwan also assisted. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said rescuers were in a race against time and that the government would use all available resources to reach people who remained trapped.
The earthquake damaged homes, roads, bridges, temples and parts of historic Kumamoto Castle. Aerial footage showed flattened houses, including structures that had fallen toward a river. More than 100 aftershocks were recorded by Wednesday, and officials warned that additional strong shaking, landslides and building collapses remained possible.
Transportation across Kyushu was also disrupted. Bullet train service remained suspended while crews inspected tracks and other equipment. Aso Kumamoto Airport resumed some operations Wednesday, though airlines canceled several flights. Major manufacturers temporarily stopped production while they assessed factories and supply networks.
A tsunami advisory was issued for parts of the coast soon after the earthquake but was later lifted. Officials reported no abnormalities at nearby nuclear power plants.
Authorities continued searching the mall, factory and damaged residential areas as the confirmed death toll rose. The number of casualties could change as crews reach unstable buildings and account for people who remain missing.
Author note: Last updated July 29, 2026.