Multiple reports say a strong earthquake hits Kumamoto, Japan, causing major damage including the collapse of a mall and a blast at the scene. Rescue teams search through wreckage as the casualty count rises, with at least 18 people reported dead. The reports describe emergency response efforts focused on locating survivors and recovering victims from the damaged structures. They also note that the incident includes both structural collapse and an explosion, complicating rescue operations and public safety measures. Details about injuries, damage extent beyond the mall, and the cause of the blast are not fully specified in the provided summaries. The information released focuses on the immediate aftermath: local authorities and responders conduct search-and-rescue activities, while the death toll continues to be updated. The reports collectively underline the scale of the damage and the ongoing efforts to account for people affected in Kumamoto.