A magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook Kyushu Island, causing widespread damage. The second floor of a department store in Kumamoto Prefecture exploded and collapsed, resulting in dozens missing and many believed dead.
On Tuesday, 28 Jul 2026 GMT+7, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan's southern Kyushu Island, causing extensive damage including building collapses, power outages, and dozens dead or trapped under rubble.
At Aeon Mall in Kashima City, Kumamoto Prefecture, an unexplained explosion occurred following the earthquake, causing the building's second floor to collapse and a wall to crumble along one side. Several fatalities were reported, with 20–30 workers missing as rescue teams searched for survivors.
Meanwhile, at Nippon Paper Industries’ factory, the facility's chimney collapsed, leaving several missing. Additionally, parts of Kumamoto Castle's stone walls were damaged and fell.
According to Kyushu Electric Power, the earthquake caused power outages affecting 48,000 homes. Telecom providers KDDI and Docomo reported mobile service disruptions due to power shortages and electrical line failures.
The earthquake also caused major cracks on several main roads. JR Kyushu suspended its train services, including high-speed rail. Kumamoto Airport closed its runway, forcing flight cancellations and reroutes.
Leading technology and automotive companies such as TSMC, Sony, Fujifilm, Tokyo Electron, and Honda evacuated employees and temporarily halted factory operations in Kumamoto to mitigate earthquake risks.
Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed no irregularities at nuclear power plants on Kyushu Island.
Following the quake, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ordered rapid damage assessments, the evacuation of around 300,000 people to shelters, and deployed hundreds of troops to assist affected areas.
The tsunami warning was lifted after initially cautioning the public to watch for waves up to one meter high.
However, the Japan Meteorological Agency warned of aftershocks and landslides through the week and advised the public to beware of heatstroke as temperatures could reach 34°C amid ongoing power outages.
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Source:cna