If the Ground Shakes Again After the Kumamoto Earthquake

Updated 2026-07-29

Reviewed 2026-07-29

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto region at 4:27 p.m. on July 28, 2026, with a maximum seismic intensity of 7. We send our deepest sympathy to everyone affected. Japan Meteorological Agency guidance says to remain alert for an earthquake of similar strength for about a week after a major event, so travelers should prepare before the next alert, not during it.

During the shaking, get low and protect your head

Drop down and shelter under a sturdy table if one is within reach. Hold a table leg and protect your head and neck. If there is no table, stay away from windows and tall furniture, crouch low, and cover your head with a firm bag or cushion. Do not run outside while glass and signs may be falling.

If you are near the coast and an official tsunami warning or evacuation instruction is issued, move to higher ground or a designated tsunami evacuation site as soon as the shaking stops. Do not wait at the shoreline to check the water.

In a mall, do not rush for the exit

Move away from glass displays, lighting, high shelves, and merchandise that could fall. Use a bag or shopping basket to protect your head. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency advises moving toward a clearer area such as an elevator hall or near a supporting pillar, then following staff instructions.

Do not use an elevator to evacuate, even if it appears to be operating. When staff or authorities direct you to leave after the shaking, use the designated stairs and evacuation route. If you are already inside an elevator, press the buttons for every floor and get out at the first floor where the doors open.

Set up the hotel room before sleeping

Check the evacuation map and stair location now. Keep closed-toe shoes, a flashlight, water, your charged phone, and a power bank beside the bed. Move luggage away from the doorway and do not sleep beneath a heavy picture, mirror, or unsecured shelf.

After a strong tremor, expect transport delays and building inspections. Do not enter visibly damaged areas. Follow hotel staff, local government, railway, and airline notices rather than social media rumors. Call 119 for fire or ambulance and 110 for police in Japan.

Save alerts and contacts while the network works

Japan's official Safety tips app sends earthquake early warnings, tsunami warnings, and weather alerts in English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and other languages. JNTO also operates the Japan Visitor Hotline at 050-3816-2787, 24 hours a day, for emergency support in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

00000JAPAN may be opened free of charge by network operators in affected areas during a major disaster or outage. It is not guaranteed to appear everywhere, and the connection is not encrypted. Use it for safety information and contacting family, but avoid banking, shopping, passwords, and other sensitive data.