NewsWPLG Local 10August 1, 2026Miami-Dade
Search and rescue ends at collapsed Japanese mall following earthquake
Authorities have concluded the search for survivors at a collapsed shopping mall in Kumamoto, Japan, following a 7.1 magnitude earthquake. While the mall search is complete, regional rescue efforts continue as residents face severe water shortages, extreme heat, and displacement.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The earthquake has resulted in 34 confirmed deaths, over 100 injuries, and the destruction of over 180 homes, leaving nearly 70,000 households without fresh water and thousands in emergency shelters.
Key Facts
- 34 people are confirmed dead following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake.
- Search and rescue operations at the Aeon Mall in Kashima have officially concluded.
- 103 people have been reported injured in Kumamoto Prefecture.
- Nearly 70,000 homes are currently without fresh water.
- Over 9,000 people are residing in crowded emergency shelters.
- 180 homes have been destroyed and nearly 3,500 buildings have sustained damage.
- At the Nippon Paper Industries factory, 9 employees died and 2 were rescued after a chimney collapse.
- Temperatures in Kumamoto city reached 36.6 degrees Celsius (97.8 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday.
- 1,500 reports of power loss have been received by the prefecture.
- 20 buildings are classified as severely affected by the earthquake.
Who's Mentioned
locationAeon Mall“A shopping mall in Kashima where a floor collapsed following the earthquake.”locationKumamoto Prefecture“The region in Japan most severely impacted by the earthquake.”organizationJapan Meteorological Agency“The agency reporting on extreme heat conditions in the region.”organizationNippon Paper Industries“A factory in Yatsushiro city where a chimney collapse trapped 11 employees.”personSanae Takaichi“Prime Minister of Japan overseeing the government task force.”