Japan earthquake LIVE updates: Govt. sets up task force to assess possible damage, prepare rescue operations, says PM Takaichi

An earthquake registering a magnitude of 7.1 shook Kumamoto on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu late Tuesday (July 28, 2026) afternoon, causing damage and injuries, officials said. A tsunami advisory was temporarily issued but was lifted within two hours, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Also read | Japan earthquake: ‘Considerable’ number of people reported dead in Kumamoto mall after earthquakeJapan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in a message posted on X, said her government has set up a task force to gather information, assess possible damage and prepare for rescue operations if needed.Ms. Takaichi later told reporters that there have been reports of a number of injuries and damages to roads, bridges and buildings, as well as blackouts and fire, though details are still unclear.

Ms. Takaichi warned people cooking to be careful with fire and with shards of broken glass.In “Kashima town, a shopping complex’s second floor collapsed, leaving many people trapped inside,” the fire department said in a statement.

Police said earlier they had received reports of what sounded like an explosion at the Aeon Mall outlet in Kumamoto, with no information on damage or any casualties.Follow LIVE updates here A “considerable number” of people have died in a shopping mall damaged by a major earthquake today in southwestern Japan, broadcaster TBS said.Police told AFP that they could not confirm whether there were any fatalities at the mall in the town of Kashima.

Emergency services earlier said “many people” were trapped inside the building after a floor collapsed.-AFP A “considerable number” of people have died in a shopping mall damaged by a major earthquake today in southwestern Japan, broadcaster TBS said.Police said that they could not confirm whether there were any fatalities at the mall in the town of Kashima.

Emergency services earlier said “many people” were trapped inside the building after a floor collapsed.A major earthquake collapsed buildings and sparked fires in Japan’s southwest, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said today, with broadcaster NHK saying that at least 50 people were taken to hospital.Read more:Japan earthquake: ‘Considerable’ number of people reported dead in Kumamoto mall after earthquakeA major earthquake in southwestern Japan has caused significant casualties and damage, prompting emergency alerts and rescue operations.