On Tuesday afternoon, July 28, 2026, Japan's southwestern Kyushu island experienced two strong earthquakes within an hour, the first registering a magnitude of 7.1. The initial quake struck Kumamoto Prefecture at 4:35 pm local time (5:35 pm AEST), followed by 26 aftershocks and a magnitude-6.1 tremor at 5:12 pm (6:12 pm AEST).

The earthquakes caused significant damage near the town of Uki, close to Kumamoto's capital city. Authorities reported power outages affecting approximately 45,000 households and facilities, fires, and damage to roads, bridges, and buildings.

A major concern is the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto, where the complex's second floor partially collapsed. Japan's fire department and public broadcaster NHK reported "many people" trapped inside the mall, with between 20 and 30 workers unreachable. Local police in Kashima Town also reported an explosion at the mall. According to broadcaster TBS, police said "quite a few" people were presumed dead in the incident.

At least 50 people have been hospitalized, and multiple injuries have been confirmed. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that initial reports indicated multiple injuries, damage to civilian infrastructure, and fires in several affected areas. She added, "We are still assessing the extent of injuries and property damage, but I have been informed that there have already been several injuries."

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed the earthquake occurred inland and no tsunami activity has been observed so far, although a tsunami warning for a 1-meter wave was initially issued. Authorities hope to lift the tsunami advisory soon, depending on sea level conditions.

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority reported no abnormalities at three nearby nuclear power plants, including the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant located about 100 kilometers from the epicenter, which remains in operation. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed there were no safety issues at the plant.

Seismology experts from Geoscience Australia and the United States Geological Survey noted the initial quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers below the sea surface.

Rescue efforts are underway, with 3,600 soldiers deployed to assist. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned residents in strongly shaken areas to remain vigilant for possible earthquakes of up to magnitude 7 in the following week.

Sources