Massive earthquake of 7.1 magnitude jolts Japan, tsunami warning issued
PTC News Desk: A strong 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan's southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake's epicentre was located 10 kilometres below the seabed.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said some people were injured and at least one building collapsed due to the earthquake.
Authorities issued a tsunami warning, saying waves of up to one metre (3.28 feet) could hit coastal areas. Residents living near the coast were advised to move to higher ground immediately and follow evacuation instructions.
Public broadcaster NHK reported that waves of up to one metre may have already reached some areas. The Prime Minister's Office directed officials to quickly assess the damage and ensure that saving lives remains the top priority during the emergency response.
【地震速報】熊本県熊本地方で震度７ 津波注意報 気象庁https://t.co/fAoIlTGbTd pic.twitter.com/CrK9DjyYMX — NHKニュース (@nhk_news) July 28, 2026
The Nuclear Regulation Authority said there were no immediate problems reported at any nuclear power plants following the earthquake.
Emergency earthquake warnings were issued for the prefectures of Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, and Miyazaki, all located on Japan's Kyushu island.
Instructions by Prime Minister in Response to the Large Earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture (16:29) pic.twitter.com/fsxY7xJx5F — PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) July 28, 2026
A quake with a magnitude of 7.2 hit northern Japan on June 25 but caused no deaths or major damage.
Japan is one of the world's most seismically active countries, sitting on top of four major tectonic plates along the western edge of the Pacific "Ring of Fire".
- With inputs from agencies
