Japan earthquake live: Multiple people trapped inside shopping centre after quake

28th July, 2026 | News

Powerful 6.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Japan, Leaving Dozens Injured and Thousands Without Power

A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction, injuring at least 50 people, and triggering a tsunami warning as emergency teams rushed to assess the damage.

Authorities reported that around 40,000 homes were left without electricity, while roads, bridges, and buildings sustained significant damage across affected areas.

One of the hardest-hit locations was the Aeon Mall shopping centre, where an explosion and partial structural collapse trapped numerous people inside. Emergency officials said part of the building’s second floor gave way, and Japanese media reported that 20 to 30 workers remain unaccounted for, with fears of multiple fatalities. Rescue operations are continuing.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as the ground shook violently. One resident told Sky News he had “never experienced an earthquake that big,” saying the tremor lasted for about two minutes and was so powerful that he struggled to remain standing.

The earthquake also damaged the historic Kumamoto Castle, where sections of its iconic stone walls crumbled. The centuries-old landmark is regarded as one of Japan’s most important castles.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to prioritise their safety and evacuate if necessary. She said emergency agencies had been instructed to focus on saving lives, assessing the full extent of the damage, and providing timely information on tsunami risks and evacuation procedures.

Japan, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries due to its position at the meeting point of several major tectonic plates. Rescue operations and damage assessments remain ongoing as authorities work to reach those still trapped and restore essential services.