Strong earthquake strikes southern Japan; tsunami warning issued and later lifted
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A powerful earthquake struck southern Japan, causing widespread damage, multiple fatalities, and a temporary tsunami warning, according to Japanese media and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Photo is from 2025: Wikipedia Creative Commons License. Tsunami warnings (2025 Kamchatka Peninsula earthquake)
The quake, initially measured at magnitude 7.1 and later revised to 6.8, hit the Kumamoto region on Kyushu Wednesday, 29 July 2026, at 4:27 p.m. local time.
A shopping mall in Kashima suffered a violent explosion that caused the second floor to collapse, leaving several people dead and 20–30 missing, believed to be trapped inside. In Yatsushiro, a paper factory collapsed, with additional people unaccounted for. Fires have broken out in several locations.
At least 100 people have been hospitalized, NHK reports. Around 50 injuries were recorded in both Kumamoto and Hikawa. The official death toll rose to 18, according to the Associated Press.
Tsunami warning lifted
JMA issued a tsunami warning for the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea, but the alert was lifted roughly two hours later. A strong aftershock of Shindo 5 followed soon after.
Infrastructure heavily affected
- 48,300 households are without power in Kumamoto Prefecture
- Train services have been halted; one train reportedly derailed in Yatsushiro
- Several bridges and pedestrian overpasses have collapsed
- Kumamoto Airport has been closed
Mass evacuations
Authorities have urged up to 300,000 residents to evacuate to safer areas as aftershocks continue.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has activated a national emergency task force, and JMA warns that strong aftershocks may continue for days.
Photo is from 2025: Wikipedia Creative Commons License
Tsunami warnings (2025 Kamchatka Peninsula earthquake)
日本語: 津波警報・注意報の発表状況（2025年カムチャツカ半島地震）
Date 30 July 2025
Source https://www.jma.go.jp/bosai/map.html#5/40.914/144.053/&elem=warn&contents=tsunami
Author 気象庁 (Japan Meteorological Agency)