Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture Hit by 7.1 Magnitude Quake, Over 50 Injured

Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island was shaken by a series of powerful earthquakes on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, leaving more than 50 people injured. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported a significant magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck the region, prompting tsunami warnings. Initial reports indicated that approximately 10 individuals were injured at a nursing home in Hikawa City within the prefecture. The seismic activity also triggered several fires and caused damage to residential buildings and road infrastructure. Fortunately, no disruptions or damage were reported at the nuclear power plants located near the affected area. In response to the disaster, the Japanese government swiftly established a crisis center at the Prime Minister's Office to coordinate emergency services. The JMA noted that a strong aftershock, measuring magnitude 6.1, hit Kumamoto Prefecture about an hour after the initial quake. This subsequent tremor occurred at 17:08 local time (15:08 WIB) and originated from a shallow depth.