Strong and shallow M7.1 earthquake hits Kyushu, Japan, hazardous tsunami waves possible
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.8 struck Kyushu, Japan at 07:27 UTC (16:27 JST) on July 28, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.8 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), while the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported M7.1 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles) in the Kumamoto Region, Kumamoto Prefecture. According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), hazardous tsunami waves are possible within 300 km (186 miles) of the epicenter.
Epicenter of M6.8 earthquake in Kyushu, Japan on July 28, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 5.2 km (3.2 miles) E of Uto (population 37 442), 6.2 km (3.9 miles) NE of Matsubase (population 26 163), 8.7 km (5.4 miles) NE of Uki (population 59 928), 10.2 km (6.3 miles) WSW of Mifune (population 16 901), and 14.1 km (8.8 miles) SSE of Kumamoto (population 738 907), Japan.
According to the USGS PAGER, 813 000 people are estimated to have felt severe shaking, 609 000 very strong, 1.7 million strong, and 8 million moderate.
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), hazardous tsunami waves are possible within 300 km (186 miles) of the epicenter.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Liquefaction triggered by this earthquake is estimated to be significant in severity and/or spatial extent, according to the USGS. The number of people living near areas that could have produced liquefaction in this earthquake is extensive.
Landslides triggered by the earthquake are expected to be significant in severity and/or spatial extent, with a significant population exposed.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.8 earthquake Kyushu, Japan – USGS – July 28, 2026
2 M6.8 earthquake Kyushu, Japan – EMSC – July 28, 2026
3 M6.8 earthquake Kyushu, Japan – PTWC – July 28, 2026
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