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M4.9 Depth: 10.0 km

M4.9 Earthquake near Ashikita, Kumamoto Prefecture (Japan)

UTC time: 2026-07-28 08:18:54 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M4.9 earthquake was recorded near Ashikita, Kumamoto Prefecture (Japan) on July 28, 2026 at 08:18 UTC. With a focal depth of about 10 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Tremors of this size are distinctly felt and can occasionally cause light damage.

The data is provided by USGS and cross-checked across seismological networks. Japan: 54 earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, the strongest reaching M7.1.

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 10 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 10 km
Shallow
10 km
10 km — shallower than the regional average (34.2 km)
Regional average: 34.2 km
Why depth matters

Shallow quakes release energy near the surface — shaking is felt more strongly and damage potential is higher.

Depth classes per USGS

Estimated impact

Red Severe impact likely.
Estimated population exposed
IV 9'815'531
V 3'392'776
VI 643'711
VII 496'483
VIII 553'231
IX 173'148

≈ 1'866'573 people experienced strong to very strong shaking.

57 Felt reports · max reported intensity 9.1

Ground shaking

IX
Violent · Intensity (MMI) IX
Heavy damage likely.

Tectonic context

Located on the Amur Plate.
Near the boundary Amur ↔ Okinawa · about 68 km away

Volcanoes nearby

  • Unzendake
    Distance: 50 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 1'483 m ·Last eruption: 1996 ·Japan
  • Kirishimayama
    Distance: 56 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 1'700 m ·Last eruption: 2025 ·Japan
  • Yonemaru-Sumiyoshiike
    Distance: 65 km ·Maar(s) ·Elevation: 40 m ·Last eruption: -6200 ·Japan
  • Asosan
    Distance: 77 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 1'592 m ·Last eruption: 2021 ·Japan
  • Aira
    Distance: 88 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 1'117 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Japan
  • Kujusan
    Distance: 104 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 1'791 m ·Last eruption: 1996 ·Japan

Historic earthquake map · Japan

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Explore recent and long-term earthquake activity in this country. Use filters to narrow down by magnitude, depth, and date range.

Country statistics · Japan

Country overview
View earthquake KPIs, strongest and latest events, and averages for this country.

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