Japan Earthquake: 7.1-Magnitude Quake Hits Southern Japan, Tsunami Alert Issued
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a tsunami alert for waves of up to one metre. The quake registered the maximum intensity of seven on Japan's Shindo scale. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there is no tsunami threat to Hawaii or American Samoa.
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday, July 28, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami alert for parts of the region. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the quake hit Kumamoto prefecture and registered the highest possible intensity of seven on Japan's Shindo seismic scale.
The tsunami alert warned of waves of up to one metre in height, according to Reuters. Authorities urged residents in affected coastal areas to remain alert as emergency agencies monitored the situation following the strong tremor.
Japan Earthquake: Quake Registers Maximum Shindo Intensity
The Japan Meteorological Agency said the earthquake measured level seven on the country's Shindo intensity scale, which gauges the severity of ground shaking at specific locations rather than the earthquake's magnitude. The strong shaking was felt across parts of southern Japan, with officials continuing to assess the impact.
Tsunami Alert Issued
Following the earthquake, authorities issued a tsunami alert forecasting waves of up to one metre along parts of the coastline. Emergency officials advised people in vulnerable coastal areas to stay informed and follow official instructions as monitoring continued.
No Tsunami Threat to Hawaii or American Samoa
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu said there was no tsunami threat to Hawaii or American Samoa following the earthquake. Authorities continue to monitor sea levels and seismic activity while assessing any potential impact in Japan.
Japan is among the world's most earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several major tectonic plates meet. The country has one of the world's most advanced earthquake monitoring and tsunami warning systems, enabling authorities to issue rapid alerts following major seismic events.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2026 01:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
