Magnitude 7 earthquake causes collapse and deaths at Aeon Mall in Japan
A strong earthquake of magnitude 7 or greater struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, on July 28, causing the collapse of the Aeon Mall Kumamoto shopping mall, located in the city of Kashima. Local sources indicate that a considerable number of fatalities may have been recorded, and official confirmation of the deaths is likely to take some time.
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Amid the gravity of the situation, Yoji Itoi, host of the NHK News 7 7pm program, reported that rescue teams were preparing to search for individuals believed to be trapped inside Aeon Mall Kumamoto. The place was rocked by an explosion during the earthquake.
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According to information from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency and other sources, the explosion at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto shopping complex in Kashima occurred shortly after the magnitude 7 earthquake in the region. The second floor of the building collapsed, and there is a strong suspicion that many people are under the rubble.
News coverage of the incident was expanded, with the television program extending its broadcast time to provide updated details from the scene. After describing the situation at Aeon Mall, host Itoi made a direct appeal, stating, “If anyone inside is watching this program by any means,” and then clearly reinforced, “Rescue preparations are underway.”
Learn more: Intensity 7 earthquake causes explosion and paralyzes transport
