Overview
- A shallow, powerful earthquake struck Kyushu on July 28, producing violent shaking across Kumamoto Prefecture and triggering building collapses, an explosion at an Aeon Mall, dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries.
- Security camera video released by Kumamoto Comprehensive Hospital captured surgeons and nurses holding the operating table and protecting a patient during the tremor, and the footage has drawn wide public attention.
- The hospital confirmed four surgeries were in progress when the quake hit, all procedures were finished safely with no patients or staff hurt, and normal outpatient services resumed on August 5 after inspections.
- The quake caused secondary failures that worsened the toll, including the partial collapse and reported explosion at the Aeon Mall in Kashima that killed several people, plus damage to factories, roads and utilities that disrupted services and supply chains.
- Authorities have shifted from major rescue operations to final searches, safety checks and probes into the mall blast, while thousands remain affected by water outages, power loss and shelter needs during hot weather.