Image: from TRT World Now X @TRTWorldNow
By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
A powerful earthquake struck Japan’s southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a temporary tsunami advisory, suspending transport services and triggering emergency response measures across the region.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported the earthquake at a preliminary magnitude of 7.1, while the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) later revised its estimate to 6.8. The quake was centred near Kumamoto Prefecture, an area that suffered one of Japan’s deadliest earthquakes in recent history.
Although authorities warned of possible tsunami waves reaching up to 1 metre (3 feet), the advisory was lifted within two hours after no significant tsunami was detected.
🚨SHOCKING | Powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes southern Japan; triggers tsunami alert pic.twitter.com/L0fQyQv1ZD
— The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) July 28, 2026
Tsunami Warning Quickly Withdrawn
Immediately after the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami advisories covering the Ariake Sea and the Yatsushiro Sea, affecting the western coastlines of:
- Kumamoto
- Nagasaki
- Fukuoka
- Saga prefectures
Residents in coastal areas were urged to remain away from beaches and waterfronts while authorities monitored sea levels.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appealed for caution in a message posted on social media.
She urged residents to avoid the coastline until authorities confirmed that the danger had passed and announced that the government had established an emergency task force to monitor the situation, assess potential damage and coordinate rescue operations if necessary.
Authorities Assess Damage
Emergency services immediately began evaluating the impact of the earthquake.
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that there were no immediate reports of major damage to key public infrastructure, although inspections remained ongoing.
Local fire departments received numerous emergency calls from residents following the strong shaking.
Officials warned that a full assessment would require additional time as teams inspected buildings, roads and utilities across the affected region.
Japan Earthquake Update
A powerful magnitude 6.8–7.1 earthquake struck near Uto in Kumamoto Prefecture (southwest Japan) on Tuesday afternoon local time.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said injuries have been reported and authorities are still assessing the full extent of damage…— JAMIE (@CoffeeGirlTX) July 28, 2026
Nuclear Plants Report No Problems
Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that inspections at three nearby nuclear power stations found no abnormalities.
The announcement helped ease concerns in a country where nuclear safety remains a highly sensitive issue following the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Authorities stated they would continue monitoring all facilities as a precaution.
🚨 BREAKING: 7.1 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE STRIKES SOUTHERN JAPAN: A powerful 7.1-magnitude quake has struck the Hyuganada Sea off the eastern coast of Kyushu, Japan’s southern main island. The epicenter is located near Nichinan at a shallow depth of ~30km, triggering tsunami warnings… pic.twitter.com/M2hvJm0shH
— Global War Monitor (@GWarMonitor) July 28, 2026
Transport Services Suspended
As part of standard safety procedures, transport operators temporarily halted several services across Kyushu.
Shinkansen bullet trains and local railway services were suspended while engineers carried out track inspections.
Operations at Aso Kumamoto Airport were also disrupted after the airport closed its runway for safety inspections.
Airport officials announced there was no immediate timetable for reopening, leaving passengers facing delays and cancellations.
Military Joins Emergency Response
Japan’s Ministry of Defense dispatched military aircraft to survey the affected areas from the air and assist authorities in assessing possible damage.
The flights are expected to provide emergency managers with rapid information regarding landslides, damaged infrastructure and isolated communities if required.
Memories of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake
The latest earthquake revived painful memories of the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, which struck the same region.
That disaster resulted in:
- More than 50 fatalities
- Around 1,800 injuries
- Tens of thousands of homes damaged or destroyed
The event became one of Japan’s deadliest earthquakes in recent decades and led to major improvements in disaster preparedness and emergency response across the country.
Japan’s Constant Earthquake Threat
Japan sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic zones, where several tectonic plates converge.
Thousands of earthquakes are recorded every year, although most are too weak to cause significant damage.
The country’s strict building regulations, advanced early warning systems and regular emergency preparedness exercises have made Japan one of the world’s most resilient nations in responding to major seismic events.
While Tuesday’s earthquake caused widespread disruption and prompted a significant emergency response, authorities indicated there were no immediate reports of catastrophic damage, and inspections continue as officials work to determine the full impact.