Japan 7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Triggers Kumamoto Airport Closure and Bridge Collapse

(Kumamoto, July 28) Transport infrastructure across Kyushu suffered extensive damage in the Japan 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture at 4.27pm local time on Tuesday. Kumamoto Airport's runway was closed, prompting Japan Airlines to cancel six flights and All Nippon Airways to cancel eight same-day and two next-day services. The Kumagawa River bridge in Yatsushiro collapsed at its midpoint, an elevated section of the Kyushu Expressway developed a serious structural gap near the Yatsushiro interchange, and a JR freight train derailed and overturned at Yatsushiro station — with no passengers on board and the driver's condition under investigation.

Earthquake Scale and Damage

The Japan 7.1-magnitude earthquake registered intensity 7 at its maximum in Uki City and Hikawa Town, with intensity 6-upper recorded across several neighbouring municipalities. Tsunami advisories were issued for coastal areas, with waves estimated at around one metre. The quake, officially named the "Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake" by the Japan Meteorological Agency, struck at a depth of approximately 10 kilometres.

AEON Mall Explosion and Collapse

The AEON Mall Kumamoto in Kashima Town experienced an explosion approximately 30 to 40 minutes after the earthquake. NHK's aerial footage captured severe damage including shed exterior walls, exposed structural steel, partial roof collapse and an apparent blast-caused hole in the upper floor. Fire department officials said the explosion originated near the centre of the building and caused the second floor to partially collapse, trapping multiple people. Multiple fatalities were believed to have occurred, with rescue operations ongoing into the evening.

Casualty and Impact Data

Approximately 217,000 people received evacuation orders across seven municipalities; police logged 318 emergency calls; at least seven fires burned in Kumamoto Prefecture alone; 48,000 households lost electricity; 12 buildings collapsed; more than 50 people were hospitalised; nine people remained missing or trapped. JR Kyushu temporarily suspended all rail services, Costco's Kumamoto Mifune warehouse store saw shelving collapse and goods fall, and logistics providers halted deliveries across the prefecture.

Government Response

Prime Minister Takaichi convened the "Extraordinary Disaster Response Headquarters" and approximately 3,600 Self-Defence Force personnel were deployed to disaster zones. The government directed a push-type supply of food, water, portable generators and cooling equipment to evacuation centres. Taiwan's tourism authority confirmed no tour groups were affected; travel agencies reported more than 870 Taiwanese tourists were safe.

Meteorological Agency Warning

The JMA stated that a further significant earthquake within the next two to three days is highly likely, and that a magnitude-7-or-above event cannot be ruled out over the next week. Officials urged residents to remain alert, avoid landslide risk zones and stay away from structurally compromised buildings.