Two major earthquakes strike Kumamoto region of Japan within seconds

Two major earthquakes hit the Kumamoto region of Kyushu, Japan on July 28, 2026, within 24 seconds of each other, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The first quake, a magnitude 6.8, struck at 07:27:15 UTC with its epicenter 5 km east of Uto. Twenty-four seconds later, a magnitude 7.1 struck 4 km southeast of Uki at 07:27:39 UTC. Both earthquakes were centered at a depth of 10.00 km (6.21 miles), the USGS said.

The USGS ShakeMap for the magnitude 6.8 event recorded a maximum estimated intensity of VIII on the Modified Mercalli scale, a level associated with severe shaking. Residents near both Uki and Uto were in the affected area.