A major earthquake affecting southwestern Japan damages buildings and triggers fires, with a collapsed shopping mall in Kashima becoming a key focus for emergency response. South Korean outlet Korea Times and other reports citing Japanese broadcaster TBS say a “considerable number” of people have died in the mall after the quake. Police told AFP that they cannot yet confirm whether there were any fatalities at the Kashima mall.
Emergency services earlier reported that many people were trapped inside after a floor collapsed, and additional reports describe the collapse as involving the second floor. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says the quake also sparks fires and causes injuries. NHK reports at least 50 people are taken to hospital, and television footage shows multiple blazes.
Across outlets, early information is based on broadcaster and initial emergency reports, with authorities still working to verify the casualty figures inside the mall.
