Japan Earthquake: Death Toll Rises to 13 in Kumamoto, Vietnamese Worker Among Victims

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least 13 lives. The death toll was confirmed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday morning, according to NHK.

Among the victims was a Vietnamese worker who was trapped and killed when a factory crane collapsed. While this worker tragically died despite rescue efforts, seven other Vietnamese technical trainees from the same factory were evacuated safely. In a separate incident, the wife of another Vietnamese worker was injured when a wall in her home collapsed.

The earthquake caused extensive damage across the region. Reports indicate widespread structural failures, including collapsed buildings, bridges, and a steel tower. Fires broke out in homes, and approximately 48,000 households lost electricity. The seismic intensity reached Japan's maximum level of 7, a level not seen since the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake.

The paper factory in Yatsushiro was severely impacted, with 11 workers initially trapped. Four have been rescued, two of whom were found in cardiac arrest and two with serious injuries. Search and rescue operations continue for the remaining workers. The Japan Meteorological Agency initially reported the quake at 7.1 magnitude, later revising it to 6.8. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers.