7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Kumamoto — At Least 18 Dead, Shopping Center Damaged in Explosion

At least 18 people were killed when a strong earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu on July 28, 2026, causing parts of buildings to collapse and triggering an explosion that destroyed a commercial building. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/6b0fe69d44fa5c82ac4765a8ad82ebf6?utm_source=openai))

Rescue teams race against time to pull people trapped in the rubble

The quake was initially measured at magnitude 7.1 on the Richter scale and reached Shindo 7, the highest level on the Japanese seismic intensity scale in parts of Kumamoto, while authorities warned the death toll may rise as many are listed as missing. ([city.kumamoto.jp](https://www.city.kumamoto.jp/kiji00372080/index.html?utm_source=openai))

"I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives," said Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, adding that the government will deploy all available resources to rescue as many people as possible. ([japan.kantei.go.jp](https://japan.kantei.go.jp/105/speech/202607/28press.html?utm_source=openai))

Local authorities reported that at least 62 people were injured, six of them seriously, and the affected areas suffered major service disruptions: about 34,900 households were without electricity, while around 15,000 were without water; more than 8,800 people evacuated to over 400 shelters. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/6b0fe69d44fa5c82ac4765a8ad82ebf6?utm_source=openai))

One of the hardest-hit locations was the Aeon shopping center in the city of Kashima, where an explosion caused partial collapse of the second floor; at least four people died inside the facility. Authorities are investigating the possibility of a gas explosion after rescuers reported smelling gas. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/jul/28/people-trapped-japan-earthquake-kumamoto-aeon-shopping-centre-mall-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a688f5d8f08de34d6d9726c&utm_source=openai))

Hundreds of rescuers, including members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, firefighters and police officers, are scouring the area for survivors, using heavy machinery and working for hours. Authorities warned that search-and-rescue operations could take several days and urged people to exercise caution and follow evacuation instructions. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/80b525f6a271a0b3aecd708342b09294?utm_source=openai))

Photo: press materials from the event