Japan earthquake death toll rises to 34
The death toll from the earthquake in southwestern Japan has risen to 34, with six other people reported seriously injured.
In short
- The death toll from the earthquake in southwestern Japan has risen to 34, with six other people reported seriously injured.
The death toll from the earthquake that struck southwestern Japan has risen to 34, according to an update published on July 31, 2026. Six other people were reported seriously injured.
The latest figure marks a rise from the 30 deaths reported a day earlier as soldiers and emergency teams searched damaged homes, a shopping centre and a paper mill for survivors.
The quake struck Kumamoto prefecture on the island of Kyushu on July 28. Reports have given preliminary magnitudes of 6.8 and 7.1, reflecting differing early measurements; the updated death-toll report described it as magnitude 7.1.
Aftershocks and high temperatures have complicated rescue work. Some residents whose homes were damaged have spent nights in vehicles because of concerns about further shaking.
Authorities have continued search and recovery operations across the affected area as the human toll becomes clearer.
