Japan Earthquake: Multiple Injuries Reported, Tsunami Warnings Issued

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southwestern Japan on July 28, 2026, injuring several people and prompting emergency responses across the region.

The quake's epicenter was in the Kumamoto region on the main southern island of Kyushu. Initial reports indicated that numerous emergency calls were received by fire departments. The Japanese weather agency issued warnings for tsunami waves of up to one meter along coastal areas. While the earthquake caused significant disruption, including power outages affecting approximately 48,000 households in Kumamoto, there were no reported irregularities at nuclear power plants.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi directed relevant ministries to quickly assess the situation and implement necessary emergency measures. Several sections of highways on Kyushu were closed following the earthquake, which was followed by strong aftershocks. This event brings back memories of a magnitude 7.3 earthquake in the same region ten years prior, which resulted in dozens of deaths and widespread damage, including to the historic Kumamoto Castle.