Explosion Reported at AEON Mall Following Powerful Kumamoto Earthquake in Japan; Multiple Deaths Feared | WPN World People News

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, at 4:27 p.m. on the 28th. The quake had a shallow focal depth of just 10 kilometers, with the highest seismic intensity of 7 recorded in Uki City and Hikawa Town.

The earthquake caused severe damage to transportation networks and critical infrastructure. Runways at Aso Kumamoto Airport were immediately closed, while all Shinkansen and conventional railway services within the prefecture were suspended. On the Kyushu Expressway, sections of the road buckled and several bridges collapsed. In Yatsushiro City, a freight train reportedly derailed and overturned. Several major companies, including Toyota, Bridgestone, and Nippon Paper Industries, were also forced to halt operations.

One of the hardest-hit locations was AEON Mall Kumamoto, where a loud explosion was reportedly heard, followed by white smoke rising from the building. Part of the second floor collapsed, trapping numerous people inside. Initial reports indicate that several people have died, while dozens of employees remain unaccounted for. Police and Japan's Self-Defense Forces have launched a full-scale search and rescue operation.

At TSMC's JASM semiconductor plant in Kikuyo Town, emergency response procedures have been activated to account for and evacuate personnel.

In response to the disaster, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi convened an emergency meeting and directed all available resources toward rescue and relief efforts. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency has also mobilized its specialized urban search and rescue teams. Although the tsunami advisory has been lifted, the Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that aftershocks with a maximum seismic intensity of 7 remain possible over the coming week and has urged residents to remain vigilant.

Note: This is a faithful translation of the text you provided. It does not verify whether the reported events or casualty figures are accurate.