A 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, 2026, prompting a tsunami advisory for several areas in the Kyushu region. The Japan Meteorological Agency urged people to avoid coastal areas.
Earthquake Details
The earthquake struck at around 4:27 p.m. with its epicenter in the Kumamoto region. It registered shindo seven, the maximum on the Japanese seismic intensity scale. The depth was approximately 10 km, with a magnitude of M7.1.
Emergency warnings were issued for Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, and Miyazaki. Alerts were also activated for the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas.
Tsunami Advisory and Evacuation
A message from NERV, Japan's emergency warning service, stated: "[Earthquake Information July 28, 2026] Around 4:27 p.m., an earthquake occurred with its epicenter in the Kumamoto region of Kumamoto Prefecture. The depth of the hypocenter is approximately 10 km, the magnitude is M7.1, and the maximum seismic intensity of 7 was observed in Kumamoto Prefecture. A tsunami advisory is currently in effect."
An evacuation order was issued for 1,834 households (4,073 people) in Tsunagi Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, due to earthquake precautions.
Severe Weather Warning
A separate warning was shared on X: "Osaka Prefecture is currently under meteorological conditions conducive to the occurrence of tornadoes and other severe gusts of wind. Please take measures to ensure your safety, such as moving to a sturdy building. This information is valid until 18:20 on the 28th."
