What happened during the Kumamoto earthquake in July 2026?
On 28 July 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, in southern Japan. The earthquake occurred at approximately 16:27 local time at a depth of around 10 kilometres.
A magnitude 6.1 aftershock followed at approximately 17:08, with its epicentre in the Amakusa and Ashikita region of Kumamoto Prefecture. Additional aftershocks were reported across the prefecture, including events ranging from magnitude 3.0 to 5.0.
The earthquake prompted emergency warnings across Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita and Miyazaki prefectures. Authorities also issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas near the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea, warning that waves of up to one metre were possible in some locations. The advisory was lifted at approximately 18:10 local time.
The event raised immediate concerns about infrastructure safety, transport continuity and the potential consequences of further seismic activity.
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Which areas and infrastructure were affected by the Kumamoto earthquake?
Kumamoto Prefecture experienced reported damage to infrastructure and public facilities. According to the MitKat advisory, a bridge was destroyed in Yatsushiro, a wall at Kumamoto Castle partially collapsed, and damage was reported on the Kyushu Expressway.
The fire department in Uki City also received numerous emergency calls following reports of fires after the initial tremors. At the time of the advisory, authorities were still verifying information about injuries, infrastructure damage, power outages and fires.
The earthquake’s effects extended to essential services and transport. More than 45,000 households and facilities in the Kumamoto region were reported to be without power, according to Kyushu Electric Power.
These conditions create potential challenges for organisations operating in affected areas, particularly where facilities depend on reliable electricity, accessible roads and functioning communications. However, the advisory did not establish the extent of losses to individual businesses or quantify the overall economic impact.
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Are flights and trains disrupted after the Kumamoto earthquake?
The advisory reported the suspension of train services across the Kyushu region, including the Kyushu Shinkansen, West Kyushu Shinkansen and local rail lines.
At Aso Kumamoto Airport, runway operations were suspended at approximately 16:40 local time. At the time of reporting, officials had not determined when flights would resume.
These disruptions can complicate employee movement, business travel, deliveries and access to affected locations. Organisations with personnel in Kumamoto or nearby prefectures should confirm transport availability before arranging travel or moving staff and supplies.
Businesses should also account for possible access restrictions around damaged roads, bridges and public facilities. The advisory identifies damage to the Kyushu Expressway, but it does not provide a comprehensive list of road closures or confirmed reopening times.
Because the report reflects conditions on 28 July 2026, its transport information should not be interpreted as confirmation of current service status. Check with transport operators and airport authorities before travelling.
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What are the ongoing risks following the Kumamoto earthquake?
The primary concern identified in the advisory is the possibility of additional aftershocks across southern Japan, particularly in Kumamoto and areas close to the epicentre.
Further seismic activity may cause additional damage to structures already weakened by the initial earthquake. The report specifically highlights buildings, bridges, public facilities and commercial establishments as vulnerable to further structural deterioration.
Landslides are another concern in vulnerable areas. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications may also persist while authorities assess infrastructure and undertake restoration work.
For businesses, these risks underline the importance of checking the condition of offices, warehouses and other operational facilities before resuming normal activity. Organisations should avoid assuming that a building is safe simply because it remains standing or appears undamaged.
The advisory recommends following official instructions, avoiding structures that have not been inspected or declared safe, and moving to an open area away from buildings, utility poles, bridges and other potentially vulnerable structures during strong aftershocks. Coastal personnel should also remain alert to updated tsunami and evacuation instructions.
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How can businesses and travellers prepare for earthquake-related disruption in Japan?
Businesses with personnel or operations in southern Japan should prioritise employee safety, facility assessments and continuity planning.
Recommended actions include:
- Monitor official updates: Follow the Japan Meteorological Agency at jma.go.jp and comply with instructions from local authorities.
- Verify building safety: Do not allow personnel to enter buildings, shopping malls, schools, government offices or other structures until local authorities have inspected them or declared them safe.
- Reassess travel plans: Confirm rail, flight and road availability before dispatching employees or arranging deliveries.
- Prepare for service interruptions: Review contingency arrangements for electricity and telecommunications outages, particularly where these services support essential operations.
- Maintain emergency communications: Ensure personnel know how to receive official alerts and contact the organisation during disruptions.
- Follow coastal safety instructions: Personnel in coastal communities should comply with evacuation directions and monitor any renewed tsunami advisories.
These actions align with the precautions set out in the MitKat advisory. The appropriate response will depend on the location of personnel, the condition of facilities and instructions issued by the relevant authorities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did the Kumamoto earthquake occur?
The magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred at approximately 16:27 local time on 28 July 2026, in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.
Earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecturee .pdf
2. Was a tsunami advisory issued after the earthquake?
Yes. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas near the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea, warning that waves of up to one metre were possible in some locations. The advisory was lifted at approximately 18:10 local time on 28 July 2026.
Earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecturee .pdf
3. What should businesses do following an earthquake in Kumamoto?
Businesses should monitor official alerts, assess the safety of their facilities, confirm transport availability, prepare for possible utility disruptions and ensure personnel follow local emergency instructions. Buildings that have not been inspected or declared safe should be avoided.
Earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecturee .pdf
Download the full advisory now
For further details on the earthquake, reported infrastructure damage, transport disruptions and recommended safety precautions, download the full MitKat Advisory Risk Flash.
Filed under: APACRegional Risk Reviews
