Japanese rescue cats trapped in shopping mall after earthquake.

Twenty-five cats were rescued from a cafe inside the Aeon Mall, a shopping center devastated by the 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture.

The 7.1 magnitude earthquake on July 28 forced thousands to evacuate the Aeon Mall in Kashima City, Kumamoto Prefecture, while 25 cats were left behind at the MOFF cafe inside the building. A subsequent explosion, suspected to be caused by a gas leak, prevented staff from re-entering to rescue the cats.

After receiving permission from firefighters, police, and the mall’s operators, MOFF management entered the building on July 29 and rescued the trapped cats. All 25 cats were unharmed and were transferred to MOFF’s facility in Hiroshima.

[Image caption: A cat at MOFF’s Hiroshima facility after being rescued on July 29.] Video: MOFF

“We were concerned the cats would be tired after the long journey from Kumamoto and we took individual care of each one after arrival. They are now calm and resting,” MOFF said.

Information about the rescue of 25 cats at Aeon Mall, posted on social media by Livedoor News, has attracted 7.9 million views, bringing joy and relief to many.

“They say human life is paramount, but I think both human and cat lives are precious. I’m so glad they’re all safe,” one user wrote on Instagram.

Cats at MOFF’s facility in Hiroshima after being rescued from Aeon Mall in Kashima on July 29. Photo: AFP

Cat cafes and facilities that allow customers to play with animals like hedgehogs and pigs remain a controversial topic in Japan. An Instagram user expressed hope that “the rescued cats will not have to return to the shop, but will be adopted, and may have a safe, peaceful, and loving life.”

However, some criticized the public for focusing too much on the animals instead of the human casualties at Aeon Mall. Local authorities have found the bodies of seven victims inside the building.

As of July 29th, the 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture had killed at least 34 people, injured many others, destroyed numerous buildings, and caused power outages for nearly 37,000 households. Kumamoto had previously suffered two earthquakes within two days in 2016, killing 273 people.