A devastating earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale hit Kumamoto, Japan, on July 28, 2023, leading to reports of possible fatalities and numerous injuries at the Aeon Mall in Kashima. Japanese television network TBS has indicated that a "significant number" of victims may have died within the shopping center, while local police have yet to confirm any deaths at the site.

Emergency services reported that many individuals were trapped inside the building after the second floor collapsed. Witnesses also reported hearing loud explosions believed to have originated from the mall. As of now, officials have not disclosed the extent of the damage or the total number of casualties.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed that the earthquake struck at 4:27 PM local time, with its epicenter located inland at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. Footage from NHK shows multiple fires breaking out, damaged bridges, and a freight train derailing, alongside cracked roads. At least 12 houses have collapsed, and around 50 people have been hospitalized due to injuries.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated, "We are assessing the level of casualties and property damage, but we have received reports of many injuries. In addition to power outages and fires in some areas, several roads and bridges have been damaged, and some structures have collapsed." The Nuclear Regulation Authority of Japan reported no abnormalities at nuclear power plants in the vicinity, and the Kyushu Electric Power Company announced that approximately 45,000 households and facilities in Kumamoto are currently without electricity.

Aftershocks continued for about 30 minutes following the main quake, with NHK reporters describing the tremors as so intense that they were unable to stand. The public has been warned to remain vigilant as aftershocks may persist.

Kumamoto has a history of severe earthquakes, having experienced two catastrophic quakes in 2016, which resulted in 273 deaths and over 2,800 injuries. Japan is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the most seismically active countries in the world, experiencing hundreds of earthquakes annually, with about 18% of the world's seismic activity occurring there.