Kumamoto Earthquake Traps Dozens as Shopping Mall and Factory Collapse

Kumamoto Earthquake Disaster Response·Latest event August 1, 2026

Jul 28

Kumamoto Earthquake Traps Dozens as Shopping Mall and Factory Collapse

Rescue teams are searching for up to 30 employees missing after a shopping mall collapsed in Kumamoto. The 7.1 magnitude earthquake caused structural failures at both the mall and a local paper factory. Initial reports indicate several people are trapped within the debris of the shopping center. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory shortly after the tremor began. Officials later lifted the advisory as no significant waves were detected along the coast. At least 50 people sustained injuries during the initial shaking and subsequent building collapses.

Live updates: Several feared trapped in collapsed shopping mall after Japan quakeJapan earthquake live updates: Up to 30 mall employees missing after it collapses; several trapped at paper factoryA strong earthquake shakes part of southern Japan but no tsunami detected