Kumamoto earthquake prompts tsunami alert in southern Japan

A Kumamoto earthquake tsunami alert was issued after a magnitude 7.1 quake struck southern Japan’s island of Kyushu on July 28, Al Jazeera reported. The report said the quake shook buildings and sent people moving to safer places.

The earthquake hit Kumamoto, a city and prefecture on Kyushu, Japan’s southern main island, according to Al Jazeera. Video published by the broadcaster showed the moment the shaking began, with buildings swaying during the quake.

What happened in the Kumamoto earthquake?

Al Jazeera reported that the 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto and caused people to rush to safety. Authorities issued a tsunami alert after the quake, the broadcaster said.

No additional details on damage, injuries or the scope of the alert were included in Al Jazeera’s initial report. The report did not identify the authorities that issued the tsunami alert.

Japan sits in one of the world’s most seismically active regions, and strong earthquakes can trigger warnings or alerts along coastal areas. In this case, the confirmed information was that a tsunami alert followed the magnitude 7.1 quake in Kumamoto.

The event was reported on July 28, 2026. Further official updates would be needed to determine whether the quake caused casualties, structural damage or tsunami impacts beyond the initial alert.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.