Authorities deploy thousands of personnel as aftershocks, transport disruptions and structural damage continue
TOKYO: Emergency crews intensified rescue operations in Japan’s Kumamoto region on Tuesday after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake caused widespread damage, with police fearing that 20 to 30 employees of a shopping centre may still be missing.
According to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, citing the National Police Agency, contact has been lost with dozens of employees at Aeon Mall Kumamoto. Rescue teams are working to determine whether they remain trapped inside the building after part of the structure reportedly collapsed.
Earlier reports indicated that mall employees successfully guided customers outside before an explosion occurred at the site.
Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said 3,600 Self-Defence Force personnel had been deployed to assist rescue efforts under a “human life first” policy. She added that emergency teams would continue operations throughout the night while assessing damage across affected areas.
Aftershocks raise further concerns
Japan’s Meteorological Agency reported that 61 aftershocks had followed the initial earthquake, with intensities ranging from one to six on the country’s seismic scale.
Authorities also warned residents about the possibility of a stronger secondary tremor, recalling the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, when a second major quake caused extensive casualties and destruction.
Officials urged the public to remain alert and follow evacuation or shelter instructions issued through television, radio and emergency broadcasts.
Transport and infrastructure affected
The earthquake also disrupted transport services across Japan. Tokyo’s Haneda Airport reported more than 40 delayed or cancelled domestic and international flights, with airlines advising passengers to check flight schedules before travelling.
Images from the disaster zone showed a collapsed pedestrian bridge in the Kumamoto region, although officials had not confirmed whether anyone was injured in the incident.
Separately, BBC Verify authenticated footage showing people evacuating the partially collapsed Aeon Mall amid thick clouds of dust and debris.
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the disaster as rescue operations remain underway and concerns persist over additional aftershocks.
