2026年7月28日熊本地震：最新情况与紧急避难守则 | Kumamoto Earthquake Safety Guide

A powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, 2026. According to official information from Kumamoto City, the earthquake occurred at around 4:27 p.m. local time in the Kumamoto region of Kumamoto Prefecture. It had an estimated magnitude of 7.1 and a depth of approximately 16 kilometers. The maximum JMA seismic intensity of 7 was recorded in Uki City and Hikawa Town. Kumamoto City’s Minami Ward recorded upper 6, while Chuo, Higashi, Nishi and Kita wards recorded upper 5.

Situation as of July 30

According to materials released by Kumamoto City’s disaster response headquarters at 4:00 p.m. on July 30, the city had confirmed no deaths or missing persons. One person was seriously injured, 46 sustained moderate injuries and eight sustained minor injuries. Four homes in Minami Ward were confirmed destroyed, with approximately 35 more homes ranging from partially damaged to half-destroyed.

Electricity and gas service in the city had been restored, but water outages, low water pressure and cloudy tap water continued in some areas. At that time, 180 shelters remained open with approximately 1,006 evacuees.

Disaster figures may continue to change. If you are in Kumamoto or a nearby area, follow the latest information from the Japan Meteorological Agency, local authorities and public broadcasters. Remain alert for aftershocks, damaged buildings, cracked roads, falling rocks and heat-related risks.

Emergency evacuation rules during an earthquake

1. During the shaking: protect your life first

• Drop, cover and hold on: get low, shelter beneath a sturdy table, hold a table leg and protect your head and neck with a bag, cushion or your arms.
• Stay away from windows, glass, bookcases, hanging lights and objects that may fall or topple.
• Do not rush outside during strong shaking and never use an elevator.
• Outdoors, move away from exterior walls, signs, glass, vending machines and concrete-block walls. Move to an open area.
• If driving, slow down gradually and stop on the left without braking suddenly. Watch for emergency vehicles and road damage.

2. After the shaking stops: decide whether to evacuate

• Put on shoes to avoid broken glass and check yourself and others for injuries.
• If it is safe, turn off flames, the main gas valve and the electrical breaker. If you smell gas, do not use flames or electrical switches.
• Do not enter buildings that are leaning, seriously cracked or at risk of falling debris.
• Use stairs and take only essentials such as your phone, identification, medicine, water and a small emergency kit.
• Follow instructions from local authorities, police, firefighters and facility staff. Do not make safety decisions based on unverified social-media posts.

3. Near the coast, a river mouth or a steep slope

If you feel strong or prolonged shaking near the coast, immediately move to higher ground or a designated tsunami evacuation building. Do not wait for a warning and never go to the shore to look. Near hillsides, cliffs and retaining walls, watch for landslides and falling rocks and choose a route away from slopes.

4. At an evacuation site

• Confirm that the site is designated for the type of hazard you face. An emergency evacuation site is for immediate protection from danger; an evacuation shelter is for a temporary stay after a disaster.
• Expect aftershocks and do not return to a damaged building until authorities say it is safe.
• Conserve phone power and use text messages when possible to report that you are safe.
• Assist children, older people, people with disabilities, pregnant people, tourists and anyone who may not understand Japanese.
• Emergency numbers in Japan: 110 for police; 119 for fire, ambulance and rescue.