What was the magnitude of the Kumamoto earthquake?

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck at 4:27 PM Taiwan time on the 28th, with a depth of 10km and intensity 7 in Kumamoto.

Are Taiwanese tourists safe?

Cola Travel and Lion Travel confirmed all 800+ Taiwanese travelers in Kyushu are safe.

What happened to Kumamoto Castle?

Part of the outer wall collapsed; access is suspended until safety inspections are completed.

When will the Shinkansen resume?

JR Kyushu is conducting inspections; resumption date is not yet announced.

Will there be more aftershocks?

Experts warn of high likelihood of aftershocks above magnitude 6 in the coming days.

Kumamoto Hit by Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake! Kyushu Shinkansen and Airport Transport Paralyzed, Experts Warn of Aftershocks Above Magnitude 6

Published Jul 28, 2026 6:30 PM ・ Updated Jul 28, 2026 7:19 PM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: PR Times

On the afternoon of the 28th (Taiwan time), a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kyushu, Japan, with a shallow depth of just 10 km, registering the highest seismic intensity of 7 in Kumamoto Prefecture. The quake caused airport closures, historic site damage, and widespread transport disruptions. Experts warn of strong aftershocks above magnitude 6.

On the afternoon of the 28th at 4:27 PM Taiwan time, a powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kyushu, Japan, with an extremely shallow focal depth of only 10 kilometers, registering a maximum seismic intensity of 7 in Kumamoto Prefecture. This shallow earthquake triggered the emergency closure of Kumamoto Airport, and the historic Kumamoto Castle suffered partial wall collapse, leading to a temporary suspension of public access. Ground transportation was severely disrupted, with the Kyushu Shinkansen and multiple JR railway lines halting operations entirely, while Fukuoka’s subway system experienced system-wide delays.

With air and land transport across Kyushu paralyzed, former Director of the Central Weather Bureau’s Earthquake Monitoring Center, Dr. Kuo Kai-wen, warned that based on aftershock patterns, there is a high probability of subsequent strong aftershocks exceeding magnitude 6. He urged travelers in Kumamoto and surrounding areas of Kyushu to remain vigilant. In terms of transportation, in addition to multiple JR Kyushu lines suspending operations, delays also occurred on the JR West Sanyo Shinkansen between Hiroshima and Hakata. Travelers are advised to monitor real-time train schedules closely.

The Tourism Bureau of Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation reported no official notifications of tour groups being affected. However, major travel agencies have responded swiftly. Cola Travel stated that it currently has 18 tour groups totaling 476 travelers in the region, all of whom have been confirmed safe. The company will continue to monitor the situation and adjust plans flexibly, prioritizing traveler safety and rights. Lion Travel reported that it has contacted all tour groups in Kyushu, confirming the safety of over 400 travelers and tour leaders. The company will continue to closely monitor local developments and group movements, placing traveler safety as its top priority.

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Source: PR Times
Category: News

Kumamoto Hit by Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake! Kyushu Shinkansen and Airport Transport Paralyzed, Experts Warn of Aftershocks Above Magnitude 6

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