Japan quake: Reopened Aeon mall likely withstood shaking before explosion, says seismologist

The Aeon Mall in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture had just reopened in June after years of rebuilding following the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, marking what was meant to be a fresh start. But it was damaged again after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday (Jul 28). About an hour later, an explosion – which officials say may have been caused by a gas leak – caused further damage. Speaking to CNA's Asia First, Robert J. Geller, professor emeritus of seismology at the University of Tokyo, says the mall's quake-resistant structure appeared to have withstood the shaking reasonably well, with the explosion likely accounting for much of the destruction. He adds that proper design can significantly reduce the effects of earthquakes, but cannot eliminate risk entirely, and warns that aftershocks remain a threat to already damaged buildings. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Visit our website: https://cna.asia Download our app: https://cna.asia/app Get our editors' picks of stories via chat apps: Telegram: https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp: https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us on these platforms: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia