Japan Issues 1‑Meter Tsunami Warning After 7.1 Quake in Kumamoto

On Tuesday, July 28, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Japanese seismic scale struck southwestern Japan. The tremor’s epicentre was located in Kumamoto Prefecture at 4:27 p.m. local time, about 10 km beneath the surface. The Japan Meteorological Agency promptly released tsunami alerts for the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas, estimating wave heights of roughly one metre.

Prime Minister Sunaye Takichi posted on the X platform, urging residents to move away from beaches and follow official instructions. He highlighted that the government had activated a crisis‑management centre within the Prime Minister’s Office and convened senior officials from relevant ministries to coordinate emergency response, damage assessment, rescue and relief operations.

In addition to the current alert, the agency reminded the public that a magnitude‑5.6 quake hit Yamanashi Prefecture on June 26, causing minor injuries to ten people. That earlier event had a focal depth of about 20 km. Authorities continue to monitor the region for possible aftershocks and advise people in the affected zones to remain vigilant.