DestinationsThe 7.1-magnitude earthquake disrupts flights, rail services and roads across Kyushu as rescue operations continue.

Flights grounded after powerful Japan earthquake

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Parts of Kumamoto Castle's historic stone walls collapsed, adding to damage the landmark sustained during the devastating 2016 earthquake.
Parts of Kumamoto Castle's historic stone walls collapsed, adding to damage the landmark sustained during the devastating 2016 earthquake. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/gormakuma

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu on 28 July, causing widespread destruction, grounding flights and disrupting transport across the region.

The quake, centred about 20km south of Kumamoto City, damaged roads, bridges and buildings, sparked fires and knocked out power to around 48,000 homes.

Rescue operations are continuing after part of a shopping mall collapsed in Kashima Town, trapping multiple people inside.

Around 300,000 people have been instructed to evacuate to emergency shelters, with hundreds of soldiers deployed to assist rescue efforts as aftershocks continue. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that strong aftershocks and landslides remain possible for about a week.

Travel plans disrupted

For travellers, transport disruption is expected to continue. Kumamoto Airport temporarily closed its runway, with airlines cancelling and diverting flights.

JR Kyushu suspended rail services, including high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains, while damaged roads have affected travel across the prefecture.

International flights to other parts of Japan, including Tokyo and Osaka, are operating largely as normal. However, travellers heading to Kumamoto or other affected parts of Kyushu should expect delays and check with airlines and transport operators before travelling.

A tsunami warning issued immediately after the earthquake has since been lifted. Authorities have also confirmed there were no irregularities at nearby nuclear power stations.

The latest earthquake comes a decade after Kumamoto was devastated by another major quake that killed 275 people and damaged thousands of buildings, including the city's historic castle, where parts of its stone walls have again collapsed.

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