A powerful 7,1-magnitude earthquake on 28/7 forced thousands to evacuate Aeon Mall in Kashima city, Kumamoto province. Twenty-five cats, however, remained trapped inside the MOFF cafe within the building. A suspected gas leak explosion subsequently prevented staff from re-entering the premises to retrieve the animals.

With permission from fire services, police, and the mall's operators, the MOFF chain manager entered the building on 29/7 and successfully rescued the stranded cats. All twenty-five cats were unharmed and transported to a MOFF facility in Hiroshima city.

MOFF stated, "We were concerned the cats would be tired after the long journey from Kumamoto and provided individual care upon their arrival. They are now calm and resting."

News of the rescue, posted by Livedoor News on social media platform X, garnered 7,9 million views, bringing joy and relief to many online users.

"People say human life is paramount, but I think the lives of both people and cats are precious. I am very glad that all are safe," one user wrote on Instagram.

Cats at the MOFF facility in Hiroshima after being rescued from Aeon Mall in Kashima on 29/7. Photo: AFP

While the rescue brought widespread relief, the presence of cat cafes and similar animal interaction facilities in Japan remains a debated topic. An Instagram user expressed hope that "the rescued cats will not have to return to the cafe, but will be adopted, perhaps living safe, peaceful, and loving lives."

However, some criticized the public's focus on animals rather than the human toll at Aeon Mall. Local authorities later discovered the bodies of 7 victims within the structure.

As of 29/7, the 7,1-magnitude earthquake in Kumamoto province had claimed the lives of at least 34 people, injured many, destroyed numerous structures, and caused power outages for nearly 37,000 households. Kumamoto experienced two earthquakes within two days in 2016, resulting in 273 fatalities.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)