A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan's Kyushu island on July 28, 2026, resulting in 38 deaths and leaving more than 46,000 households without water. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited the area on August 3 amid forecasts near 40°C, after search-and-rescue operations had concluded and temporary housing construction had begun in two towns. Shelter population figures remain disputed between the two reporting outlets.