In Photos: Japan Reels From The Aftermath Of Kumamoto Earthquake
The powerful earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture left damaged buildings, cracked roads, and communities grappling with its aftermath. This photo gallery captures the scale of the destruction, emergency response efforts, rescue operations, and the resilience of residents as authorities worked to restore normalcy
A damaged smokestack is seen at the Nippon Paper Industries Co.'s plant in Yatsushiro, southwestern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the day after an earthquake hit the area. | Photo: AP/Hiro Komae
AEON Mall, which was damaged by an explosion following an earthquake, is seen in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. | Photo: AP/Hiro Komae
People help clean the damaged hall of the hanging bell at Jofukuji Buddhist temple in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the day after an earthquake hit the area. | Photo: AP/Hiro Komae
A man helps clean the damaged gate of Jofukuji Buddhist temple in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the day after an earthquake hit the area. | Photo: AP/Hiro Komae
Kiyoshi Matsunaga, a local resident of Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, shows a damaged room of his home Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the day after an earthquake hit the area. | Photo: AP/Hiro Komae
Men walking on a car lane of a bridge inspect a damaged bridge built abreast for pedestrians in Yatsushiro, southwestern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the day after an earthquake hit the area. | Photo: AP/Hiro Komae
Residents receive a water supply after water service was disrupted following an earthquake in Hikawa, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Thursday, July 30, 2026. | Photo: AP/Hiro Komae
Residents receive food supply, following an earthquake in Hikawa, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Thursday, July 30, 2026. | Photo: AP/Hiro Komae
A long line of vehicles forms at a gas station as people seek fuel following an earthquake in Uki, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Thursday, July 30, 2026. | Photo: AP/Hiro Komae
Vehicles are crushed under collapsed buildings in Yatsushiro, southwestern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the day after an earthquake hit the area. | Photo: AP/Hiro Komae
A person sits near a house damaged following an earthquake in Uki, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Thursday, July 30, 2026. | Photo: AP/Hiro Komae
Published At: