A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan at 4:27 p.m. local time on Tuesday, July 28, injuring several people, sparking fires, and cutting power to more than 48,000 households. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the quake's epicenter at a depth of about 10 kilometers, with maximum seismic intensity of 7 recorded in Uki and Hikawa towns — the highest level on Japan's intensity scale. This marks the first time such intensity has been observed since the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January 2024. On the travel front, Aso Kumamoto Airport closed its runway from 4:40 p.m. with no reopening time set, while JR Kyushu suspended all train services, including the entire Shinkansen high-speed rail network. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea, later lifted, and warned residents to be alert for building collapses and landslides, while monitoring for strong aftershocks in the coming days. The Sendai and Genkai nuclear power plants reported no abnormalities.
Kyushu Railway CompanyJR Kyushu suspended all train services including Shinkansen due to earthquake damage and safety checks.