Overview
- The quake measured magnitude 7.1 and struck Kumamoto on Tuesday, July 28, at a shallow depth that produced very strong surface shaking and immediate tsunami advisories from the Japan Meteorological Agency.
- Local officials have reported at least 50 injured, multiple building collapses including a partial collapse at an Aeon Mall, several fires and people trapped under debris as rescue teams work at damaged sites.
- Infrastructure impacts are widespread with tens of thousands of homes losing power and rail services including local lines and the Shinkansen suspended as operators inspect tracks and stations for damage.
- Separately, Mexico’s Chiapas region continues to register aftershocks from a July 17 M7.4 earthquake, with the national agency reporting more than 1,000 replicas including a M6.5 largest aftershock and recent M5–M4 events that so far caused no major new damage.
- National seismological services and civil protection agencies in both countries are maintaining round‑the‑clock monitoring, urging residents to follow official safety guidance and preparing for further aftershocks and infrastructure inspections.