Search continues in Japan following magnitude 7.1 earthquake
Rescue teams in Japan are searching for missing residents following a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, as fatality estimates range between 14 and 18.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake on the southern island of Kyushu. Casualty figures vary across reports, with Beta and N1 citing at least 18 deaths, while HRT Vijesti reported 14 confirmed fatalities. At least 50 people were injured, and nearly 8,800 residents have been evacuated.
Emergency personnel remain focused on a damaged shopping centre where an explosion occurred, leaving about 20 staff members unaccounted for under the rubble. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that emergency services are engaged in "a race against time" and pledged to deploy all necessary resources.
In a separate seismic event, the China Earthquake Networks Center recorded two earthquakes measuring magnitudes 5.7 and 5.8 striking Xinghai County in China's northwestern Qinghai province.
Sources: Beta, HRT Vijesti, N1
Sources
Earlier coverage
- 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
- Jul 29, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCPowerful earthquake strikes southwestern Japan, causing casualties and damage