A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southern Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, at about 4:30 p.m. local time on July 28, 2026, reports say. The tremor produced widespread shaking across the southern part of the prefecture and prompted immediate emergency alerts.
Tsunami advisories and coastal warnings
Authorities issued tsunami warnings and advisories after the quake and urged people to stay away from the shore, reports indicate. Coastal areas were placed under caution while agencies assessed whether tsunami waves posed a continuing threat to communities along the coast.
Damage, injuries and people trapped
Local reports indicate buildings in the affected area were damaged or collapsed following the quake. A shopping mall in the south was reported damaged or collapsed, and multiple people were trapped inside, according to those accounts. Emergency responders were reported on scene to assist with rescue and extraction.
At least 50 people were reported injured in the aftermath, according to the supplied reports. Officials and emergency services remained engaged in search and rescue operations in the affected zones as assessments continued.
Details on the full scale of property damage, the final number of injured and the status of those trapped were not yet confirmed in the initial reports. Authorities were continuing to evaluate coastal hazards and structural impacts as rescue work proceeded.