Strong Earthquake Hits Japan; Mall Explosion May Have Killed Many

A powerful earthquake shook the Kumamoto region of Japan on July 28, 2026, injuring at least 50 and leading about 300,000 people to leave their homes for safety. An explosion at a shopping mall in Kashima trapped many people inside. Police told broadcaster TBS that "quite a few" are feared dead. The cause is still unknown. The quake's center was 12 miles south of Kumamoto city. Officials warn that smaller follow-up shaking could continue for a week.