Tokyo: A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning and emergency alerts across several prefectures. Officials urged people living in coastal areas to immediately move to higher ground as waves of up to 1 metre were expected.

【地震速報】熊本県熊本地方で震度７ 津波注意報 気象庁https://t.co/fAoIlTGbTd pic.twitter.com/CrK9DjyYMX

— NHKニュース (@nhk_news) July 28, 2026

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake struck off the coast of Kumamoto Prefecture at a depth of 10 kilometres beneath the seabed. Public broadcaster NHK reported that tsunami waves may have already reached parts of the coastline.

Instructions by Prime Minister in Response to the Large Earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture (16:29) pic.twitter.com/fsxY7xJx5F

— PM’s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) July 28, 2026

Tsunami Warning Issued for Southern Japan

Following the quake, emergency earthquake warnings were issued for Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita and Miyazaki prefectures. Authorities advised residents to stay away from beaches, rivers and coastal areas until the warning is lifted.

The Prime Minister’s Office directed emergency agencies to quickly assess the extent of damage, prioritise rescue operations and ensure public safety.

Japan on High Alert After Powerful Quake

Japan is among the world’s most earthquake-prone countries due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates converge. The country experiences hundreds of earthquakes every year, though most are minor.

The latest quake comes just weeks after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan in June without causing major damage. Earlier this year, another powerful tremor measuring 7.7 injured several people and prompted authorities to issue a temporary advisory warning of heightened seismic activity.

Memories of 2011 Fukushima Disaster Remain

The latest earthquake has revived memories of the devastating 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, a magnitude 9.0 undersea quake that triggered a massive tsunami, killing or leaving missing around 18,500 people and causing the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Authorities are continuing to monitor sea levels and assess the impact of Tuesday’s earthquake, while residents have been urged to follow official evacuation instructions and emergency advisories.