Officials end a five-day rescue operation at Japan’s collapsed Aeon Mall following powerful quake
Authorities have concluded a five-day search and rescue operation at a collapsed Aeon Mall in Kashima, Japan, following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kyushu on Tuesday. The mall's collapse, attributed to an explosion believed to be from a gas leak, resulted in the extraction of five survivors and the recovery of seven bodies. While the mall operation has ended with all missing accounted for, broader search efforts continue across the prefecture, which has suffered significant damage and a lack of fresh water and fuel. The earthquake has caused 34 confirmed deaths, 103 injuries, and widespread destruction to homes and buildings. Survivors are facing challenging conditions in crowded shelters and sleeping in cars amidst extreme heat, with the government working to deliver essential supplies.