A powerful earthquake in Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture has triggered a major rescue operation after an explosion at a shopping mall left several people missing and others dead. Emergency teams are racing against time to search through damaged buildings as authorities continue assessing the full impact of the disaster.
Highlights
- A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture.
- Three people remain missing after an explosion at Aeon Mall.
- At least 13 people have been confirmed dead.
- Thousands of rescue personnel have been deployed.
- Honda has suspended operations at its Kumamoto motorcycle factory.
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Rescue Teams Search After Deadly Earthquake
Authorities in southern Japan are continuing rescue efforts after a strong earthquake caused destruction across Kumamoto prefecture.
The disaster led to an explosion at Aeon Mall in Kashima town, where several people remain unaccounted for. The mall’s president, Akio Yoshida, confirmed that three people are still missing, correcting an earlier report that had given a higher figure.
Three people have been confirmed dead following the incident, while another person suffered a cardiac arrest.
Explosion Adds To Disaster Response
Aeon Mall officials said their first priority after the earthquake was helping customers and workers evacuate safely.
The shopping centre, which houses more than 200 stores, was cleared as emergency teams began searching for missing individuals.
The company said the status of about 2,700 employees was confirmed after the explosion and that it would continue working with authorities during the rescue operation.
Aeon also expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and offered support to those injured in the disaster.
Government Launches Emergency Response
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the rescue mission as a “race against time” as emergency teams searched collapsed structures for survivors.
Authorities have confirmed at least 13 deaths, while thousands of rescue workers have been deployed to affected areas.
More than 4,600 emergency personnel are involved in operations, including searches at the damaged shopping mall and a Nippon Paper factory in Yatsushiro.
Impact On Local Industry
The earthquake has also affected businesses in the region.
Honda announced that it would temporarily suspend operations at its Kumamoto motorcycle factory until Friday as safety checks continue.
The facility is one of Honda’s main motorcycle production centres in Japan.
Natural disasters can strike without warning, but every rescue effort represents hope for those still waiting to be found.
