7.1 magnitude earthquake hits Japan's Kyushu island

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kyushu island on the morning of July 28, 2026, prompting a tsunami warning of up to one meter. The regions of Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, and Miyazaki were put on alert. The main shock was followed by three aftershocks ranging from 3.8 to 4.5 magnitude within ten minutes. Official reports confirm 50 injuries, including ten residents from a nursing home, while emergency crews are searching for nine missing people and at least four individuals trapped in collapsed buildings. Twelve structures have reportedly collapsed, and significant damage to roads and bridges has been observed.

Following the seismic activity, an explosion was reported at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima around 18:00 local time. While the facility had been evacuated following the quake, witnesses reported sounds of an explosion and white smoke rising from the site. Local authorities are currently assessing potential casualties from the blast. Meanwhile, Kyushu Electric Power stated that the Sendai and Genkai nuclear power plants remain unaffected, though train services on the JR Kyushu network have been suspended. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center indicated no threat to Hawaii or American Samoa.