The death toll from a powerful earthquake in southwestern Japan has risen to 18 people, including a foreign national. This was reported by the Associated Press, writes UNN.
Details
Following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that occurred the day before in Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, military and rescue workers continue a search and rescue operation. They are inspecting destroyed houses and a severely damaged shopping center in search of those who may remain trapped under the rubble.
According to prefectural authorities, at least 62 more people were injured, six of them in serious condition. Authorities do not rule out that the number of victims may increase.
The greatest destruction was recorded at a shopping center
The Aeon Mall shopping center in the city of Kashima suffered the most. After the earthquake began, about three thousand visitors were evacuated to the parking lot, but a gas explosion occurred in the part of the building where people still remained.
After a powerful earthquake, 9 people were trapped under rubble at a factory in Japan28.07.26, 22:47
As a result of the explosion, the second floor of the shopping center collapsed, causing people to be trapped under the rubble. According to eyewitnesses, the force of the explosion was comparable to the earthquake tremors.
Aeon company president Akio Yoshida reported that the deaths of four people have been confirmed on the territory of the shopping center, and three more are considered missing.