The Kumamoto earthquake struck the Kyushu region at around 4.27pm yesterday. Mall explosionThe worst incident occurred at Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima, Uki City, Kumamoto prefecture, where an explosion tore away part of the building shortly after the earthquake. Fire officials in Kumamoto city said the blast collapsed the mall’s second floor, trapping an unknown number of people inside. Kyushu Electric Power reported that close to 50,000 households lost electricity, while nearly 140,000 homes were left without water. Transport and communications disruptedJR Kyushu suspended rail services, including its Shinkansen bullet trains, for safety checks, while Kumamoto Airport closed its runway, forcing airlines to cancel or divert flights.