A strong earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture in southwestern Japan on Tuesday, July 29th, 2026, at approximately 4:27 p.m. local time, hitting at a depth of about 16 kilometers, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The quake registered a maximum intensity of 7 on Japan's seismic scale in the city of Uki and the town of Hikawa, capable of toppling buildings with low seismic resistance. The seismic intensity reached upper-5 in Kikuyo, home to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC)'s chip factory.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed on Wednesday morning that 13 people had died due to the earthquake. Authorities also reported widespread damage including collapsed buildings, fires, casualties, and damaged roads as of 8:30 a.m.

TSMC promptly evacuated personnel from its JASM fabrication plant in Kumamoto, citing safety as the top priority. While JASM's construction site was unaffected, some work was suspended as a precaution against aftershocks.

A building collapse was reported in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto prefecture, illustrating the quake's destructive impact.

Sources