Major quake hits southern Japan, workers missing after mall blast

According to reports from the Gulf Times and international wire services, emergency responders in Japan are currently engaged in a critical search-and-rescue operation following a powerful earthquake that struck the region. The seismic event has resulted in at least 13 confirmed fatalities and left more than 100 individuals injured, with authorities warning that these figures may rise as recovery efforts continue.

In addition to the widespread structural damage caused by the initial magnitude 6.8 tremor, a shopping mall in the affected area reportedly suffered a significant explosion. Footage circulating from the scene shows the scale of the destruction, with emergency crews working through the night to locate survivors who may be trapped under debris. The situation has been further complicated by more than 100 aftershocks that have rattled the region, hindering the ability of rescue teams to safely access the most heavily damaged sites.

Survivors have described the event as a moment of sudden shock and horror, noting the intensity of the shaking and the immediate collapse of infrastructure. Local officials are currently prioritizing the stabilization of critical facilities and the evacuation of residents from areas deemed at high risk of further structural failure. As the nation grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on the ongoing search for missing persons and the provision of emergency medical care to those affected by the disaster.