A devastating earthquake has struck Japan, resulting in a reported 35 fatalities and significant destruction across the region. The quake, which registered a maximum intensity of 7 on the Japanese seismic scale, has left its mark particularly in the town of Hikawa, where more than 120 buildings were completely destroyed.
Rescue operations are ongoing about 20 kilometers away in Kasumi, where the Aeon Mall Kumamoto was severely damaged due to a massive explosion, believed to be caused by a gas leak. The exact circumstances surrounding the explosion are still under investigation.
In another location, at the Nippon Paper Industries plant in Yatsushiro, an unfortunate collapse of a smoke stack resulted in the tragic deaths of nine individuals trapped at the site.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the region is still experiencing heightened seismic activity, prompting officials to warn residents that further strong earthquakes may occur in the coming days.
