A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southwestern Japan near the city of Uki on Tuesday, July 29th, 2026, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The Kumamoto prefecture government confirmed on Friday, July 31st, that the death toll has risen to 34, up from an earlier count of 25. Additionally, six people remain seriously injured.

The quake knocked out power to approximately 40,000 homes, halted rail services, and triggered tsunami warnings across parts of Kyushu, Japan's southern island. Nearly half of the fatalities were linked to two major incidents: structural damage at a Nippon Paper Industries paper mill and a possible gas explosion at an Aeon store.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has urged residents to stay vigilant for further strong aftershocks. Relief efforts are complicated by ongoing summer heat and water shortages in the affected communities.

This earthquake follows a major quake in Kumamoto a decade ago that killed 275 people.

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