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People trapped in Japanese mall hit by earthquake

The 7.1 magnitude quake in the city of Kumamoto knocked out power and damaged buildings

Many people are said to be trapped at a shopping centre in the Japanese city of Kumamoto, after reports of an explosion there, following a strong earthquake. We speak to a witness about his experience of the earthquake. We are also joined by our BBC Verify reporter who's been analysing images of the earthquake damage

There is a state of emergency in Ecuador as the country battles local drug gangs with links to international cartels. The BBC’s Orla Guerin reports from the heart of the war on drugs in Duran, one of the most gang-controlled cities in Ecuador.

French firefighters have likened efforts to contain wildfires there as a David versus Goliath struggle. It comes despite some progress tackling blazes ravaging parts of France and Spain. We are joined by our climate reporter Mark Poynting and speak in conversation with four people who have all been affected by these blazes in France and Spain.

Presenter: James Reynolds
(Photo: Rescue workers conduct search and rescue operations at the damaged Aeon Mall shopping centre, where, according to local media, an explosion occurred after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck Japan's southern Kumamoto prefecture, in Kashima Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, 28 July, 2026. Credit: Kyodo/via REUTERS)

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