Powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits Japan's Kyushu island

On July 28, 2026, a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the island of Kyushu in southwestern Japan. The seismic activity triggered a tsunami warning for coastal prefectures, including Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, and Miyazaki, though the alert was later lifted. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reported significant damage to infrastructure, including collapsed buildings, destroyed roads and bridges, and widespread power outages affecting thousands of households.

Authorities have confirmed at least one fatality resulting from a home collapse, while at least 50 people have been hospitalized with injuries. Emergency services are currently responding to reports of 20 to 30 people trapped inside a damaged shopping center in Kumamoto following a suspected explosion and structural failure. Additionally, rail services operated by JR Kyushu were suspended, and concerns regarding nuclear facilities were addressed by the IAEA, confirming no safety issues at the Sendai and Genkai plants. Rescue operations remain ongoing as officials continue to assess the full extent of the casualties and material destruction in the affected prefectures.