7.1 earthquake hits southern Japan, tsunami advisory issued

【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

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to stay away from the coastline after authorities warned of a tsunami of up to one metre (3 feet) following the powerful earthquake, Associated Press reported.

In a post on X, she said the government had set up a task force to gather information, assess the extent of the damage and coordinate rescue operations if required.

“We are putting people’s lives as the top priority,” Takaichi said, while urging those in the worst-hit areas to remain alert for strong aftershocks.

本日16時27分頃、熊本県熊本地方を震源とする地震が発生し、熊本県宇城市、氷川町で最大震度７の強い揺れを観測しました。

この地震に伴い、有明・八代海に津波注意報が発表され、１メートル程度の津波が予想されています。海岸には近づかないよう注意してください。…

— 高市早苗 (@takaichi_sanae) July 28, 2026

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported no immediate report of damage to major public infrastructure.

As a precaution, Shinkansen bullet trains and local rail services across Kyushu were temporarily suspended for safety checks.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority said inspections found no abnormalities at three nearby nuclear power plants, reported AP.

Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry dispatched aircraft to survey the affected areas and assist with damage assessment.

The quake struck the same region that was devastated by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, which killed more than 50 people, injured around 1,800 and damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of homes.