People trapped inside Japan shopping centre after earthquake
BBC News 2026-07-28 10:44:50
Context: A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 hit south Japan, specifically on Kyushu island, injuring several people and prompting over 150,000 to move to evacuation shelters. The quake, which occurred at 16:27 local time, also led to a brief tsunami warning that was lifted within the hour. Several people were trapped inside a shopping centre, with some reports indicating an explosion at the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto.
Key Facts
- The earthquake hit inland on Kyushu island at 16:27 local time (07:27 GMT) with a magnitude of 7.1, prompting a brief tsunami warning that was lifted within the hour.
- More than 150,000 people were told to move to evacuation shelters following the quake, which had a shallow epicentre of 10km (six miles) and may lead to strong aftershocks.
- The Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, reported that several people had been injured, with footage from national broadcaster NHK showing cracked roads and bridges, as well as several buildings on fire.
- Japan experiences approximately 1,500 earthquakes per year, making it one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries.
- Some reports indicated that there was an explosion at the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto, with several people trapped inside the shopping centre.