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NewsKPBS Public MediaJuly 31, 2026San Diego

Death Toll Reaches 34 Following Major Earthquake in Southwestern Japan

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Japan's Kyushu region has resulted in 34 confirmed deaths and widespread infrastructure damage. Emergency operations are ongoing as thousands remain in shelters without basic utilities amid extreme heat.

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Why It Matters

Residents in the Kumamoto region face ongoing displacement, utility outages, and health risks from extreme temperatures following the destruction of homes and critical infrastructure.

Key Facts

  • The confirmed death toll is 34, with one additional death under investigation.
  • The earthquake magnitude was 7.1, occurring on Tuesday in the Kyushu region.
  • More than 79,000 homes are without water.
  • More than 3,500 homes are without electricity.
  • Over 9,000 people are currently staying in emergency shelters.
  • Temperatures in Kumamoto city are reaching 36 C (97 F), creating health risks for displaced residents.
  • At the Aeon Mall in Kashima, 7 people are confirmed dead and 11 were rescued.
  • At the Nippon Paper Industries factory in Yatsushiro, 9 people are confirmed dead and 11 were rescued.
  • In Hikawa, over 800 of the town's 4,500 homes were destroyed or damaged.
  • Shinkansen bullet train service is partially resumed between Kumamoto and Fukuoka, but suspended to Kagoshima.
  • Local train services in southern Kumamoto remain suspended due to damage.

Who's Mentioned

personMinoru Kihara“Chief Cabinet Secretary providing updates on search and rescue operations.”organizationJapan Meteorological Agency“Providing weather and temperature forecasts.”personAyako Sudo“Resident displaced by the earthquake.”organizationKumamoto prefectural government“Reporting official death toll and disaster status.”locationAeon Mall“Shopping center in Kashima where a collapse occurred.”organizationKyushu Railway Co.“Operator of Shinkansen bullet trains affected by the quake.”organizationNippon Paper Industries“Factory site in Yatsushiro where a chimney collapsed.”