Japan Earthquake 7.1 Kills Several, Traps Hundreds in Kumamoto

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the southwestern Japanese island of Kyushu on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, causing severe damage across Kumamoto Prefecture. At least one person died when their home collapsed, and Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that a single hospital alone was treating more than 50 injured. Authorities fear a high death toll from the partially collapsed Aeon Mall shopping center where hundreds may be trapped.

Shopping Mall Explosion and Mass Evacuation

A major explosion occurred inside the Aeon Mall shopping center in Kumamoto, and aerial footage showed significant structural damage to the building. Police told broadcaster TBS they suspect quite a few victims inside, while NHK reported that numerous people remain trapped with one floor having collapsed entirely. More than 150,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate to emergency shelters.

Transport Halted, TSMC Plant Evacuated

Rail operator JR Kyushu suspended all train services, including high-speed Shinkansen lines, and Kumamoto Airport closed its runway. The world largest semiconductor contract manufacturer TSMC evacuated staff from its local plant as a precaution. Electronics giant Sony said it was assessing conditions at its own facility in the region.

Fires broke out across several neighborhoods, roads cracked, a freight train derailed, and approximately 48,000 households lost power. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning of up to one meter but later lifted it.

Aftershocks Expected for a Week

The quake epicenter was 10 kilometers deep and reached the highest level 7 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale. Authorities warned residents to brace for strong aftershocks and landslides for approximately one week. Nuclear power plants in the region reported no irregularities and continued normal operations. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated the full scale of the damage is not yet known and pledged to mobilize all available resources for rescue operations.