7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Kumamoto, Kyushu; Numerous Reports in Busan and Gwangju, South Korea (Comprehensive)

TSMC Evacuates Staff from Japan Plant
Shinkansen and Flights Suspended, No Abnormalities at Nuclear Plants
Prime Minister's Office Sets Up Response Team, Casualties Being Confirmed

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck near Uki City in Kumamoto Prefecture, western Kyushu, Japan, at 4:27 p.m. on July 28, resulting in multiple injuries and fires. TSMC, the world's largest foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturing) company, urgently evacuated staff from its Kumamoto plant. Shinkansen high-speed train services and flights were also suspended. The tremors were felt in South Korea as well, including in Busan and the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions, leaving citizens there alarmed.

On the 28th, a tsunami advisory issued by the Japanese government was displayed on a mobile phone screen. On that afternoon, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan. Photo by Xinhua Yonhap News

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 6.8. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initially announced a magnitude of 7.1, but later revised it to 6.8. The epicenter was located approximately 106 kilometers south-southeast of Fukuoka City and about 14 kilometers south-southeast of Kumamoto City. The depth of the hypocenter was estimated at 10 kilometers.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, tremors reaching the maximum seismic intensity level of 7 were observed in Kumamoto City and surrounding areas. Strong tremors with seismic intensity level 6-upper were also recorded in Minami Ward, Kumamoto City, and Yatsushiro City, with aftershocks of various magnitudes continuing across Kumamoto Prefecture. Reports indicate that buildings in Tokyo also experienced intermittent shaking. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the Ariake Sea coast in Kumamoto Prefecture, warning of waves up to one meter high.

Citizens evacuated in panic due to an earthquake in the Centum City area of Haeundae District, Busan. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

NHK repeatedly advised citizens to protect their heads and evacuate to safe areas such as under desks. Authorities also urged people to leave coastal areas immediately until the tsunami advisory is lifted. While multiple injuries and fires have been reported, the exact number of injuries remains unconfirmed.

TSMC, which operates a factory in Kikuyo Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, announced that it is checking the status of its facility. The company is conducting a headcount after having evacuated its employees. Kyushu Electric Power stated that approximately 40,000 households experienced power outages due to the earthquake. However, the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) of Japan said that no abnormalities had been found so far at three nuclear power plants in the Kyushu and Shikoku regions.

The earthquake also caused major disruptions to transportation. JR Kyushu suspended all train operations, including Shinkansen high-speed trains, and All Nippon Airways (ANA) temporarily halted flights. According to Kyodo News, the runway at Kumamoto Airport was also closed.

People who felt earthquake tremors at Changwon City Hall in Seongsan-gu, Changwon City, Gyeongsangnam-do have evacuated outside the building. Photo by Yonhap News

In South Korea, more than 760 reports of tremors were received, especially in southern regions such as Busan. In Busan, the maximum observed seismic intensity was 3. The Busan Fire and Disaster Headquarters received 157 calls reporting that the earthquake was felt, and reports are continuing. However, no significant domestic damage has been confirmed. Residents in Gwangju and Jeonnam regions also reported feeling tremors.

According to The New York Times, the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) warned of the possibility of a dangerous tsunami within 300 kilometers of the epicenter. However, it announced that there was no tsunami threat for Hawaii, Pacific islands, or the U.S. west coast.

The Japanese government is confirming casualties and facility damages, while also establishing an earthquake response office at the Prime Minister's Office Crisis Management Center to address the situation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.