Japan earthquake. Photo: Shutterstock A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck near Uki in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, at 07:28 UTC (16:28 local time) on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
The quake was centered about 4 kilometers southeast of Uki at a depth of 10 kilometers, making it a relatively shallow event that is likely to have been widely felt across Kyushu.
A tsunami warning was issued for the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas but was lifted at 6:10 p.m.
Japan's emergency authorities have expanded rescue operations following the powerful earthquake and a series of aftershocks, with officials confirming additional incidents involving collapsed structures and fires.
According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency's latest situation report, released at 8:00 p.m. local time on July 28, the earthquake struck at approximately registered the maximum intensity of Shindo 7 in the cities of Uki and Hikawa Town.
Several aftershocks have continued to rattle the area, including tremors registering lower 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale.
Emergency services remain under significant pressure, with fire departments across Kumamoto reporting a high volume of emergency calls. Authorities said damage to Yatsushiro's dispatch system has forced local fire stations to receive 119 emergency calls directly.
The latest report details multiple rescue operations and fires across the prefecture. Uki City has recorded two fires and two rescue incidents, while Kumamoto City reported three fires and four rescues. Yatsushiro City has also seen two fires and two rescue operations, including an ongoing response following the collapse of a factory chimney.
New incidents have since been added to the official tally. Rescue operations are underway in Mifune Town and Kosa Town.
Emergency crews continue to work at a commercial facility in Kashima Town where part of the second floor collapsed as a result of trapping numerous people inside.
Disaster response headquarters remain active in Kumamoto and neighboring Nagasaki Prefecture, while firefighting and rescue units from Fukuoka, Oita, Miyazaki, and Saga have been deployed to assist local crews.
Disaster assessment helicopters from Saga, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto have conducted aerial surveys throughout the evening to help identify damage and support rescue efforts.
No damage has been reported to critical infrastructure or major facilities at this time.
In 2016, a devastating earthquake sequence claimed more than 270 lives and caused widespread destruction across southwestern Japan.
Officials continue to urge residents to prepare for additional aftershocks and follow evacuation instructions as emergency operations continue overnight.