Major 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits Japan's Kumamoto prefecture

On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Kumamoto prefecture in southern Japan, causing significant infrastructure damage and prompting widespread evacuation orders. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed reports of injuries and structural destruction, including collapsed buildings, fires, and severed transportation links, such as ruptured roads, cracked highways, and a derailed goods train.

More than 150,000 residents have been instructed to move to emergency shelters as authorities continue to assess the full scale of the disaster. Public broadcaster NHK reported at least 50 injuries, including passengers aboard a high-speed train, and an explosion at an Aeon shopping mall. In response to the seismic activity, major industrial players, including TSMC and Sony, initiated precautionary measures at their local facilities, while rail services and flights were suspended across the affected region.

The government is currently coordinating assessment and rescue efforts. Prime Minister Takaichi has publicly urged citizens to prioritize their safety by moving to designated secure locations as authorities monitor the situation for potential aftershocks.