A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a tsunami alert.

The earthquake was reported on July 28, 2026, as authorities assessed the tremor and warned of a possible tsunami following the strong seismic activity.

Shaking reaches highest level on Japan's scale

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the earthquake registered level seven, the highest possible reading on the country's Shindo scale, which measures the intensity of shaking experienced at specific locations.

The maximum reading indicated that the tremor produced extremely strong ground movement in the affected area.