7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan: Severe Damage in Kumamoto, 13 Dead and Over 380 Injured
TOKYO / KUMAMOTO:
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu at 4:27 PM JST on July 28, 2026. The epicenter was located approximately 5 km east of Uto City at a shallow depth of 10 km, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Key Highlights & Immediate Impact
- Maximum Shaking Intensity: The tremor registered a maximum JMA 7—the highest level on Japan’s seismic intensity scale—in cities like Uki and Hikawa.
- Casualties: Authorities have confirmed at least 13 deaths and more than 380 injuries across Kumamoto and surrounding municipalities.
- Mall Explosion & Structural Damage: A portion of the Aeon Mall in Kashima collapsed, triggering a gas explosion that injured dozens. In Yatsushiro, a factory chimney collapsed, causing widespread fires in nearby industrial areas.
- Widespread Outages: Power was knocked out for nearly 50,000 households, while over 140,000 homes were left without running water. Major highways also suffered severe surface cracks.
- Tsunami Advisory: A temporary tsunami advisory issued for the western coastal areas was lifted after two hours as sea levels stabilized.
Rescue Operations Underway
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the search and rescue efforts as a “race against time.” Over 3,600 personnel from the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) along with rescue aircraft have been deployed to search through collapsed buildings.
More than 9,000 residents have been evacuated to emergency shelters across Kyushu. The JMA has warned residents to stay on high alert for strong aftershocks in the coming days.
