Japan Mobilises Emergency Response After Powerful Kumamoto Earthquake

July 29, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Japan has launched a nationwide emergency response after a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, causing casualties, building collapses, road damage and fires, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said. The earthquake, which struck at about 4:27pm local time, registered a maximum seismic intensity of 7 in the cities of Uki and Hikawa Town in Kumamoto Prefecture. Strong tremors were felt across much of Japan's southern Kyushu region.

Following the quake, the government established an Emergency Headquarters for the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake, chaired by Takaichi, to coordinate disaster response across ministries and agencies. The prime minister said an information centre had been activated immediately after the earthquake to assess the extent of the damage, while police, fire services, the Japan Coast Guard and the Self-Defense Forces began search and rescue operations.

After receiving a request for disaster relief from the governor of Kumamoto Prefecture, the Self-Defense Forces deployed about 3,600 personnel to affected areas. "Saving lives is our highest priority," Takaichi said, instructing government agencies to work closely with local authorities, assess the full extent of the damage and continue emergency operations through the night. The government also ordered ministries to accelerate the delivery of emergency supplies, including food, drinking water, portable air conditioners to reduce the risk of heatstroke and power supply vehicles, using Japan's push-type emergency assistance system to speed distribution to evacuation centres.

Authorities warned residents to remain vigilant as the risk of additional building collapses and landslides remains high in areas affected by the earthquake. The Japan government also cautioned that aftershocks of up to seismic intensity 7 could occur during the coming week. Power outages have also been reported in some areas, and residents were urged to move to safe locations where necessary and take precautions against heat-related illnesses while staying in evacuation shelters. Takaichi pledged that her government would mobilise all available resources to support rescue and relief efforts and called on all ministries to coordinate closely in responding to the disaster.

Source: FSX Business News