Takaichi urges evacuations and rescue efforts after seismic intensity-7 quake in Kumamoto

2026-07-28

Prime Minister urges evacuation

On the 28th, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called on people to 'take action to protect themselves, such as evacuating to a safe place no matter what,' after a quake with seismic intensity 7 was recorded in Kumamoto Prefecture. Speaking to reporters at the Prime Minister's Office around 5:50 p.m., she said, 'We will devote our full effort to disaster response measures, putting lifesaving rescue operations first.'

Government sets up response office

It said it had dispatched a survey team from the Cabinet Office to the disaster area. It said human and material damage were still being checked, but explained that injuries had already been reported and that there were also damage including power outages and fires, damage to roads and bridges, and building collapses. It also warned people to stay away from the coast, saying a tsunami advisory was in effect.

No report of nuclear plant abnormalities

The government set up a response office at the Prime Minister's Office crisis management center. The prime minister instructed officials to quickly grasp the damage situation, carry out disaster emergency measures across the government, including rescue operations, and ensure thorough information sharing on evacuations and damage. Takaichi is believed to have met with Disaster Management Minister Jiro Akama and others at the Prime Minister's Office and received a report on the damage situation. In an emergency news conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said he had not received reports of abnormalities at nuclear facilities, including Kyushu Electric Power's Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in Satsumasendai, Kagoshima Prefecture. Kihara said he would continue assessing the damage and work closely with local governments.

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