A powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan on July 28, 2025, at 4:27 pm local time. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) initially reported a magnitude 7.1 tremor, while the US Geological Survey (USGS) later revised its measurement to 6.8. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter about 5 km east of Uto in Kumamoto Prefecture, according to JMA data.
The earthquake registered a maximum seismic intensity of 7 on Japan's Shindo scale in the towns of Uki and Hikawa, Kumamoto Prefecture. At least 50 people were injured and taken to hospitals, according to public broadcaster NHK. Yatsushiro North Community Medical Center reported treating more than 40 injured individuals. One death was confirmed after a house collapsed in Kumamoto, although early reports had indicated no fatalities.
Twelve houses collapsed, trapping people in four of them. At the Aeon Mall in Kashima, the second floor collapsed, trapping many inside; an explosion was also reported at the mall. Some reports, including from TBS News, cited a 'considerable number' of deaths at the mall, though official figures have not been released.
Power outages affected between 45,000 and 48,000 households in Kumamoto Prefecture. A tsunami advisory was issued for the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea but was later lifted. JMA officials stated the earthquake occurred inland and no tsunami activity had been observed.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also noted that power outages and fires were occurring in some areas, and that roads, bridges and buildings had been affected. She urged residents to 'remain vigilant for the possibility of another earthquake of similar magnitude.'
The JMA warned of strong aftershocks in the coming week, including those with a seismic intensity up to 7. Approximately 150,000 people were ordered to evacuate across Kyushu prefectures, though evacuation numbers varied among reports.
Infrastructure disruptions included the closure of Kumamoto Airport's runway and the suspension of Shinkansen bullet trains and local rail services in Kyushu. No abnormalities were detected at the Sendai and Genkai nuclear power plants. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) evacuated its factory in Kumamoto.
Updates
Authorities report at least 13 confirmed deaths, including five at a factory, though some sources dispute the total toll, citing figures as high as 18. Seven individuals remain missing following a chimney collapse at a paper factory in Yatsushiro, where a train has also derailed. Furthermore, Toyota has suspended production at three domestic plants until Friday, leading to an estimated loss of 5,200 vehicles, while Nissan has indefinitely halted certain production lines. Emergency evacuation orders remain disputed with estimates ranging between 260,000 and 300,000 residents, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated: 'There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it’s a race against time.'
Authorities and sources report differing death tolls ranging from 13 to 18 people following the earthquake, while seven individuals remain missing after a chimney collapse at a paper factory in Yatsushiro. The disaster has led to significant industrial disruptions, with Toyota suspending production at three plants—resulting in an estimated loss of 5,200 vehicles—and Nissan halting operations at certain production lines indefinitely. Additionally, reports indicate damage to Kumamoto Castle, the derailment of a train at Yatsushiro station, and evacuation orders affecting between 260,000 and 300,000 residents across the region. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized the ongoing urgency, stating, 'There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it’s a race against time.'
Authorities and news outlets are reporting conflicting figures regarding fatalities, with death toll estimates ranging between 13 and 18 people. Additionally, seven individuals are missing following a chimney collapse at the Nippon Paper Industries factory in Yatsushiro, and Toyota has confirmed a production suspension at three Japanese plants until Friday, which is expected to result in a loss of approximately 5,200 vehicles. Amidst ongoing rescue efforts, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated, 'There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it’s a race against time.'
Authorities and sources report differing death tolls ranging from 13 to 18 people following the earthquake, while seven individuals are missing after a chimney collapse at the Nippon Paper Industries factory in Yatsushiro. Toyota has suspended production at three plants until Friday, an action estimated to impact 5,200 vehicles, alongside an indefinite shutdown of certain Nissan production lines. Additionally, infrastructure damage includes a derailed train at Yatsushiro station and the collapse of stone walls at Kumamoto Castle, while emergency evacuation orders for residents remain disputed with figures between 260,000 and 300,000.
Authorities have reported conflicting death tolls, with estimates ranging between 13 and 18 fatalities, while seven individuals remain missing following a chimney collapse at a paper factory in Yatsushiro. The earthquake has caused significant infrastructure damage, including a train derailment at Yatsushiro station and the collapse of stone walls at Kumamoto Castle. Toyota has suspended operations at three plants until Friday, projecting a production loss of 5,200 vehicles, while Nissan has initiated an indefinite shutdown of specific production lines. Evacuation orders have been issued for residents in Kumamoto, with numbers disputed between 260,000 and 300,000 people.
Authorities and sources report differing death tolls ranging from 13 to 18 people following the earthquake, while seven individuals are missing after a chimney collapsed at the Nippon Paper Industries factory in Yatsushiro. Toyota has suspended production at three domestic plants until Friday, an action expected to reduce output by approximately 5,200 vehicles, and Nissan has indefinitely halted certain production lines. Additionally, reports indicate widespread damage including the collapse of stone walls at Kumamoto Castle, a train derailment at Yatsushiro station, and evacuation orders affecting between 260,000 and 300,000 residents.
Authorities report varying casualty figures, with some accounts estimating between 13 and 18 fatalities, including confirmed deaths at a local shopping center and a factory. Seven people are currently missing following a chimney collapse at the Nippon Paper Industries facility in Yatsushiro, while emergency evacuations have been ordered for up to 300,000 residents. Additionally, industrial operations have been disrupted as Toyota suspended production at three plants, resulting in an estimated 5,200-unit output loss, and Nissan implemented an indefinite shutdown of specific lines. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi noted the urgency of the situation, stating, 'There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it’s a race against time.'
