A major earthquake strikes southwestern Japan and damages a shopping mall in Kashima, prompting reports of multiple deaths. TBS reports a “considerable number” of people have died in the mall after it was damaged by the quake. However, police told AFP they cannot yet confirm whether there were fatalities inside the building. Earlier emergency services said “many people” are trapped after a floor collapses within the mall.
The quake also triggers fires, according to television accounts, and causes other damage including impacts to infrastructure. Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says the earthquake sparks fires and leaves several injuries. NHK reports that at least 50 people are taken to hospital. Across the accounts, responders are handling casualties and rescue efforts while authorities work to verify the extent of deaths and damage at the Kashima site.
