Powerful earthquake strikes southwestern Japan, causing casualties and damage
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture, causing fatalities, dozens of injuries, and structural collapses as rescue efforts continue.
A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan's southern island of Kyushu, causing structural damage and multiple casualties. Local authorities reported that the tremor reached the maximum seismic intensity level of Shindo 7. Emergency services conducted rescue operations across the region, including extracting four individuals from a partially collapsed shopping mall in Kumamoto.
Casualty estimates vary across initial reports as search efforts continue. News agency reports indicate at least 18 fatalities and dozens of injuries. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that authorities are evaluating the extent of human losses and physical damage, noting that officials have already received reports of injured citizens.
Separately, China's seismological center reported two earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.7 and 5.8 striking the northwestern province of Qinghai.
Sources: Beta, HRT Vijesti, N1
Sources
Earlier coverage
- Jul 30, 2026, 10:30 AM UTCSearch continues in Japan following magnitude 7.1 earthquake
- Jul 30, 2026, 01:00 AM UTCSearch operations continue as death toll mounts from Japan earthquake
- Jul 29, 2026, 06:30 PM UTCDeath toll rises as search and rescue operations continue in Japan