The earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto region on Tuesday has left a trail of destruction in its wake. The quake hit just before 4:30 p.m. local time, approximately 9 miles north of Kumamoto, at a depth of roughly 6 miles.
A tsunami advisory was briefly issued for parts of Kyushu by Japan's Meteorological Agency, but it was later lifted. The disaster has resulted in at least 50 people being injured, with Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency reporting that the quake sparked at least eight fires.
Kumamoto Airport temporarily closed following the earthquake, and rescue operations have been hampered by ongoing aftershocks. Families of employees still believed to be inside the mall are anxiously awaiting word on their loved ones.
The mall, which welcomed over 8 million visitors annually, was a significant hub for the local community. It housed approximately 200 stores, a movie theater, and had parking facilities for around 5,000 vehicles. The complex also became known for selling 10-yen onigiri at a supermarket inside, which helped survivors following the 2016 earthquake.
When the mall reopened in June, it marked the shopping center's 21st anniversary and the region's recovery from the 2016 earthquake. The project was described as a "'re-start' initiative" by Aeon, the company that oversees the mall.
