Southwestern Japan struck by powerful earthquake

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu in southwestern Japan on 28 July 2026.

According to preliminary reports, 13 people have been killed and 36 injured, seven of whom remain in critical condition. The death toll may rise, as several people remain missing following the collapse of a shopping mall and a paper factory. More than 9 000 residents have been evacuated to emergency shelters.

The earthquake caused extensive damage, including collapsed buildings, fires, damage to road infrastructure, and an explosion at a shopping mall.

A tsunami warning was issued immediately after the quake but was lifted by authorities approximately two hours later.