Earthquake in Japan triggers mall collapse in Kumamoto

Japan earthquake triggers mall collapse in Kumamoto

An earthquake rocked Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu today (July 28, 2026), with dozens of people reported missing or injured following the collapse of a shopping mall in Kashima Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.1, while the USGS reported it as a 6.8. JMA later lifted a tsunami advisory it had issued after the quake.

AP wrote:

The second floor of the Aeon Mall shopping center in Kashima Town collapsed, trapping an unknown number of people. Around 20 to 30 employees were missing while several other people were dug out and taken to a hospital, Kyodo News agency reported, quoting local police.

The affected area is about 560 miles (900 kilometers) southwest of Tokyo. A tsunami advisory for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas on the western coasts of Kumamoto prefecture and three neighboring prefectures was lifted within two hours, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Images of the earthquake in Japan on social media

Shortly after the earthquake, the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto Prefecture collapsed. Videos from social media show people taking cover during the earthquake and then hurrying to the exits. Some people are commenting on a strange odor. A dash cam shows a large explosion at the mall. Local authorities said rescue operations are continuing for people believed to be trapped.

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— ?? (@polyrhythmic-bw.bsky.social) 2026-07-28T14:17:47.428Z

Another video shows the inside of a Costco during the earthquake.

The moment the earthquake struck Costco in Kumamoto????tak_genki(X)#japan #earthquake

— Tanuki.no.mori (@tanukinomori.bsky.social) 2026-07-28T12:08:17.817Z

This harbor cam shows the shaking. There have been no reports of a tsunami so far.

What a terrible earthquake.My heart goes out to the people of Japan.I know some of my followers are from Japan. Friends, I hope you and your loved ones are safe and unharmed.

— Anton Gerashchenko (@antongerashchenko.bsky.social) 2026-07-28T12:46:12.502Z

This video shows cats seeming to startle just before we can see the shaking start.

The moment a group of cats was startled by the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Kumamoto, Japan today (Tuesday). Our paws are in for all pets and people.?#hedgewatch

— Tiger – So Cal Cat? (@tiger-socal.bsky.social) 2026-07-28T13:58:43.597Z

The 2011 Japan earthquake

The quake recalls the major magnitude 9.0 earthquake in Japan of Friday, March 11, 2011. This Great East Japan Earthquake (aka the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake) struck off the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan, in the Pacific Ocean. It triggered a massive tsunami that caused severe damage along the coast and led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

The 2011 event remains the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Japan’s history.

Bottom line: On July 28, a powerful earthquake in Japan caused a shopping mall in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, to collapse, leaving people missing and injured. The Japan Meteorological Agency said it registered magnitude 7.1.

Read more: Can animals sense earthquakes? Science investigates