Kumamoto Quake Kills 13, Traps Survivors in Collapsed Mall
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan on July 28, 2026, killing at least 13 people and injuring dozens. The shallow quake caused the Aeon Mall in Kashima to collapse, trapping survivors, while damaging roads, bridges, and the historic Kumamoto Castle. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi deployed 3,600 soldiers for rescue operations as aftershocks continued.