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National Assembly Praises SEC For Revenue Growth, Urges Commission To Exceed 2026 Target

Favour Enyosa
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National Assembly Praises SEC For Revenue Growth, Urges Commission To Exceed 2026 Target

The National Assembly has commended the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for improving its fiscal sustainability through stronger revenue generation and prudent financial management.

The commendation was given by the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Hon. Saeed Musa Abdullahi, during the 2026 Revenue Monitoring Exercise with the Commission in Abuja.

Speaking during the engagement, Abdullahi praised the leadership of the SEC for its performance over the years.

“DG, you have done significantly well. We have followed the progress of the SEC over the years and urge you to keep the flag flying. We will continue to celebrate you when you do well,” he said.

He stressed that the revenue monitoring exercise was not intended to target or intimidate any government agency but to encourage improved performance, particularly as Nigeria continues to grapple with fiscal challenges.

“This exercise is not to witch-hunt any agency. It is aimed at ensuring better performance, especially at a time when the country is facing serious fiscal challenges,” he added.

Abdullahi also challenged the Commission to outperform its revenue target for 2026.

“You have told us your revenue projection for 2026, but we believe you can do more. We urge you to surpass your projection by at least 20 per cent, or even more,” he said.

Responding, the Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, said the Commission operates as a financially independent regulator in line with the standards of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

“The SEC does not receive any funding from the government; rather, it pays money to the government. All the money used to run the Commission comes from the market,” he said.

Agama explained that statutory deductions are automatically made once the Commission’s revenue is paid into its account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“When these funds hit our account with the CBN, deductions are made directly by the government. We do not have access to the funds before the deductions are effected,” he explained.

The SEC boss further disclosed that the Commission obtained approval from the Minister of Finance to retain 20 per centof its internally generated income to support its operations.

“We are regulators and are not expected to ask the market for money. The 20 per cent waiver ensures our operations are not hindered,” he said.

Agama also revealed that the Commission had secured a grant from the African Development Bank to deploy a modern market surveillance system before the end of the year, a move aimed at strengthening oversight and enhancing transparency in Nigeria’s capital market.

Ghana Mourns ‘Generous And Popular Giant’ Who Was Country’s Tallest Man

Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Ghana Mourns ‘Generous And Popular Giant’ Who Was Country’s Tallest Man

Ghana is mourning Sulemana Abdul Samed, the nation’s tallest man, whose death has triggered widespread grief, particularly in the north where his extraordinary height had made him a household name.

The 33-year-old, popularly known as Awuche, died Monday at a hospital in Tamale, roughly 160km south of his home village of Gambaga. He had been admitted after sores on his legs became infected.

A relative, Sulemana Abdul Kudus, told the BBC that well-wishers had continued visiting the family home to learn what happened, describing widespread recognition of his generosity and kindness.

Awuche was diagnosed with gigantism in his 20s and measured 7ft 4in (223cm) when the BBC recorded his height in late 2022 — though he had likely grown taller still by the time of his death. His condition stemmed from Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue that caused his unusually long limbs and, over time, an abnormal curvature of his spine.

Kudus said the leg sores that led to his hospitalization were not a direct result of Marfan syndrome but likely a related complication. His death came as a shock to doctors, who had reported he was responding well to treatment, and to residents of Gambaga, who had come to see him as a source of local pride.

Awuche had struggled for years to cover his medical costs. Relief came recently when Ibrahim Mahama — a prominent businessman and brother of Ghana’s President John Mahama — stepped in to fund his treatment at Tamale Teaching Hospital, having met Awuche in person earlier this year.

His transformation began at age 22, while working at a butcher’s shop in Accra. He recalled first noticing his tongue swelling to the point of affecting his breathing, followed within days by rapid growth throughout his body. The diagnosis of Marfan syndrome soon followed, forcing him to abandon his ambition of becoming a driver and return to Gambaga roughly nine years ago.

The condition also reshaped his social life. Once an athletic young man who played football, he said he eventually lost the ability to walk even short distances. Despite these limitations, he was known for maintaining a positive outlook and embracing the local celebrity his height brought him — telling people wherever he went that he hailed from Gambaga, a fact that gave the village a distinct identity.

His family has chosen to bury him in Tamale rather than Gambaga, citing concern that the volume of mourners would overwhelm the village.

Wike Approves Promotion Of 3,592 FCT Workers

Favour Enyosa
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Wike Approves Promotion Of 3,592 FCT Workers

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has approved the promotion of 3,592 civil servants following the successful completion of the 2025 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh, in a statement released through the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

The statement read, “As part of the third year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved the promotion of 3,592 civil servants following the successful conclusion of the 2025 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission.

“Recall that from June 8 to July 17, 2026, the FCT had witnessed commissioning and flag-off of over 30 projects to commemorate the third year anniversary of the President.

“Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh, who announced the development, described it as a demonstration of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to staff welfare in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“He said that the promotion examinations for senior officers were conducted between July 1 and 3, while junior staff sat for their examinations on July 10.”

Ezeh commended Wike for providing the necessary support that enabled the commission to successfully conduct the promotion exercise.

He also disclosed that the minister has directed the commission to begin preparations for the 2026 promotion exerciseimmediately to ensure eligible officers are promoted without unnecessary delays.

“Under this administration, it is a priority that FCT workers get promoted as and when due. This is to complement the tremendous work that the FCT Minister is doing in infrastructural development of the Territory. For us, the workers will not be left out in the celebrations marking the third anniversary of Mr President,” Ezeh said.

According to him, the directive reflects the administration’s determination to balance ongoing infrastructure development in the Federal Capital Territory with improved staff welfare and career advancement.

He noted that the decision is intended to ensure civil servants also benefit from the achievements being recorded under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Ezeh further applauded FCT civil servants for maintaining peace, order and discipline throughout the 2025 promotion exercise and encouraged officers expected to participate in the 2026 exercise to uphold the same level of professionalism.

He also expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Joint Union Action Committee for its cooperation, describing its support as instrumental to the smooth conduct of the promotion exercise.

The commission chairman advised prospective candidates for the 2026 promotion exercise to begin preparations early, reminding them that promotion within the FCT Civil Service is based on merit, remains highly competitive and is subject to the availability of vacancies.

Thousands Return Home In Spain As Fresh Heatwave Sparks New Wildfire Fears

Favour Enyosa
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Thousands Return Home In Spain As Fresh Heatwave Sparks New Wildfire Fears

Thousands of residents evacuated because of devastating wildfires across Spain have been allowed to return to their homes after authorities eased emergency restrictions in parts of Toledo, Madrid, Ávila and Castellón.

In the Madrid region alone, around 24,000 residents have been cleared to return home, while movement restrictions affecting another 20,000 people have also been lifted.

However, officials have warned that the relief may be short-lived as Spain and neighbouring France prepare for the fourth heatwave of the summer, raising concerns that existing wildfires could intensify or new ones could erupt.

Several fires remain active, including a major blaze in Burgohondo, about 150 kilometres (93 miles) west of Madrid.

In south-west France, authorities said the largest wildfires in the Gironde region remain “still stabilised” despite multiple flare-ups. Officials warned that dry winds and temperatures expected to reach 41°C (106°F) could worsen conditions.

The Mayor of Le Barp, near Bordeaux, Blandine Sarrazin, said the situation was becoming increasingly difficult after two new fires broke out the previous day.

She urged residents to remain “hyper-vigilant.”

French authorities have placed 16 departments under orange heatwave alerts, including the Landes region further south.

The Gironde fire service has also introduced special protective measures around several strategic defence and aerospace facilities. These “Seveso” sites manufacture hazardous materials used in missiles and rocket production.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the coming hours would be critical in containing the wildfire near the capital.

“Things are progressing favourably, with maximum caution,” he told reporters, warning that rising temperatures, falling humidity and stronger winds could rapidly change conditions.

One of the most serious fires remains out of control at Vall d’Uixó, north-west of Valencia.

Meanwhile, the wildfire in Burgohondo, in Ávila province, has already consumed more than 43,000 hectares (108,000 acres), making it the largest wildfire ever recorded in Spain.

Across the country, wildfires have destroyed more than 207,000 hectares of land this year.

The Burgohondo blaze has forced approximately 40,000 people from their homes.

A member of the emergency response leadership team, Francisco Bolaños, said firefighters had managed to prevent the blaze from spreading overnight.

“The fire has not moved a centimetre during the night,” he said.

However, he warned that soaring temperatures could cause the flames to reignite, with crews focused on securing a 180-kilometre (112-mile) perimeter.

Among those returning home were about 1,000 residents of Navas del Rey and Chapinería, west of Madrid, who had been temporarily accommodated in Leganés.

The Mayor of Chapinería, Lucía Moya, said the wildfire had left lasting damage.

“Many residents have lost their homes and jobs. Getting back on track is going to be an arduous task.”

Many of the approximately 2,000 evacuees from the nearby Tiétar Valley had been housed by volunteers in Talavera de la Reina, south of the fire zone.

Although many residents have returned home, around 300 evacuees remained in temporary accommodation on Wednesday morning.

Mayor José Julián Gregorio assured them they would continue receiving “the same level of care as on the first day.”

Firefighters continue to warn that the combination of extreme heat and dry winds could quickly reignite contained fires.

While no deaths have been recorded in the wildfires around Madrid or Castellón, authorities confirmed that a woman severely injured during the Los Gallardos wildfire in Almería earlier this month has died in hospital.

The Almería wildfires claimed 14 lives, including citizens from the United Kingdom, Belgium, the United States, France and Spain.

Wildfires are also burning in neighbouring Portugal, particularly in the north-eastern district of Vila Real.

Civil protection officials told broadcaster RTP that an active fire front stretching approximately one kilometre remains a threat, with emergency services closely monitoring a nearby water treatment plant and gas depot near Valpaços.

Elsewhere, firefighters are battling fresh wildfires in Greece, including on the island of Paros in the Aegean Sea and in Trifylia on the southern Greek mainland.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is contributing to rising global temperatures. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, leading to more frequent and intense summer heatwaves, increased pressure on water supplies and a growing number of severe wildfires across the continent.

Five Kenyan Security Officers Killed In Suspected al Shabaab Attack Near Somali Border

Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Five Kenyan Security Officers Killed In Suspected al Shabaab Attack Near Somali Border

Five Kenyan security officers were killed Tuesday in a clash with suspected al Shabaab militants in Mandera county, near the border with Somalia, police said.

The attack occurred around midday when a patrol team from SOG Alungu encountered militants near Wantey Dam, according to a police report. Al Shabaab has spent years fighting to topple Somalia’s central government and impose its own hardline interpretation of Islamic sharia law across the Horn of Africa nation.

Police said a reinforcement team dispatched to the scene was subsequently struck by an improvised explosive device, which destroyed an armoured vehicle, though no further casualties resulted from that blast. Security forces are continuing to pursue the militants involved.

The Mandera attack fits a broader pattern of al Shabaab violence in the border region, where both military personnel and civilians are frequently targeted. Police noted that in January, militants killed a local chief and a teacher in neighboring Garissa county.

Kenya Investigates Suspected Toxin After 15 Elephants Die In Amboseli

Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Kenya Investigates Suspected Toxin After 15 Elephants Die In Amboseli

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is investigating a possible toxic substance after 15 elephants died in the Amboseli ecosystem between June 24 and July 24, with preliminary lab tests flagging a suspicious compound in samples taken from several of the animals.

The Amboseli ecosystem, which lies in southern Kenya near the Tanzanian border, extends beyond the national park itself to include surrounding community land that serves as vital habitat and migration corridors for elephants and other wildlife in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.

According to KWS, ten of the elephants displayed matching symptoms before dying, including partial paralysis that left them unable to stand. Death followed within one to two days of the onset of symptoms. The fatalities occurred across three sites: Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary, and the Kuku Ranch area.

Adult females and calves accounted for most of the deaths, with only a single adult male among the casualties. Wildlife officials said five of the carcasses were too decomposed or had already been scavenged to determine a cause of death.

Testing by the University of Nairobi turned up a potential toxin in preliminary analysis, though officials cautioned that further work is needed to determine its concentration, significance, and origin. Separately, initial screening by the government chemist came back negative for the toxins tested so far, and additional testing for other substances is ongoing.

Investigators are now examining water sources and other environmental factors in the area to determine whether the elephants were exposed to a shared contamination source.

KWS stressed that the deaths pose no danger to humans. The agency said the condition appears confined to the affected elephants, with no evidence suggesting it could spread to people.

South Africa Faces Labour Shortages After Migrant Workers Leave

Favour Enyosa
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South Africa Faces Labour Shortages After Migrant Workers Leave

South Africa is beginning to feel the economic impact of a large-scale departure of migrant workers, with farms, factories and households struggling to find labour after thousands of foreign nationals left the country following xenophobic attacks and intensified immigration enforcement.

In one of South Africa’s major citrus-producing regions, Zimbabwean farmworker Aaron Majatamhe described how fruit remained unharvested as workers disappeared from the fields.

“I see a lot of farm owners who are crying now… people have to harvest those naartjies but there is no one,” the 33-year-old told AFP.

He added that vineyards are also facing severe shortages.

“It’s time to cut off the grapes and there is no one.”

Similar labour shortages are emerging across the country as businesses scramble to replace workers who left within weeks.

The exodus followed calls by fringe anti-foreigner groups for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa by June 30. According to an AFP compilation based on figures from African governments repatriating their citizens, more than 160,000 migrants have returned home.

Zimbabwe, which received the largest number of returnees, said many had been employed in South Africa’s agriculture, construction and domestic work sectors.

The first major disruptions were reported in KwaZulu-Natal’s sugar industry, where one farmer said he lost nearly 80 per cent of his cane-cutting workforce almost overnight.

“Production and supply have deteriorated to the point where it is going to be difficult for the mills to stay open,” the farmer said anonymously, citing fear of retaliation.

Another farmer near Mid-Illovo said most cane cutters in the area were from Lesotho.

“There are fields we are supposed to be cutting, but there are just not enough people. Local people don’t like this job because it is back‑breaking and physical,” he said.

That claim is strongly contested by labour unions and researchers, who argue that South Africa’s unemployment rate—officially above 33 per cent—shows there is no shortage of local workers.

They contend that some employers prefer migrant labour because foreign workers are often cheaper, more flexible and less likely to insist on formal contracts, benefits or legal protections.

“They are making a profit out of foreign nations,” said Patrick Williams of the Commercial, Stevedoring, Agricultural and Allied Workers Union.

According to him, many foreign farmworkers work seven days a week, skip lunch breaks to increase their earnings and are frequently paid below the national minimum wage.

Beyond farms, manufacturers are also feeling the effects. A manager at a clothing factory in Durban’s Chatsworth industrial area said the departure of experienced machinists from Malawi and Mozambique had made it difficult to meet production targets.

“We can barely meet our targets because most were forced to go,” she said, adding that local workers would need time to acquire the same skills.

The South African government has promoted a “locals first” employment policy while acknowledging that some industries rely heavily on foreign labour.

Last week, authorities expanded the Trusted Employer Scheme, which fast-tracks work visas for companies that meet conditions such as employing mainly South Africans, investing in skills development and operating in priority sectors.

Industry groups are now urging the government to create legal pathways for seasonal foreign labour, warning that sectors such as agriculture cannot replace migrant workers overnight.

Siyabonga Madlala, chief executive of the South African Farmers Development Association, suggested a regulated seasonal worker programme similar to those used in other countries.

“There may be a need for a special dispensation allowing seasonal labour from SADC countries where local supply is insufficient,” he told Newsroom Afrika.

More than 60 per cent of South Africa’s immigrants are estimated to come from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

For many migrants who left, however, the labour debate is secondary to concerns about personal safety. Police data indicate that at least four foreign nationals have been killed during recent unrest.

Zimbabwean resident Wayne Chimbadzwa Mutasa, who had lived in Robertson since 2014, said he decided to leave after foreign workers were targeted during house-to-house raids.

“The people who came into the houses of Zimbabweans were police officers saying that you are living here illegally,” he told AFP.

Majatamhe, the citrus worker, said he has not yet returned home because he cannot afford the journey.

“We are afraid to stay even in this place, but the problem is, we don’t have enough money to go home,” he said.

Tinubu Approves ₦46bn Reconstruction Of Kano Airport Second Runway

Favour Enyosa
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Tinubu Approves ₦46bn Reconstruction Of Kano Airport Second Runway

President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the commissioning of the newly remodelled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the airport in Kano.

According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, Keyamo said the runway project would significantly improve airport operations and strengthen Kano’s position as one of Africa’s leading international aviation hubs.

“The Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earmarked Kano Airport for major upgrades because of the importance of this airport. That is why one of your great sons and one of our respected leaders, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was appointed by Mr. President to chair the Board of FAAN, because of the vision he has for aviation and for this great state.”

“The President has approved the sum of ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway so that the Kano Airport can compete with other international airports around the world”, Keyamo said.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upgrading aviation infrastructure nationwide under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that Kano remains a strategic priority because of its economic and commercial significance.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf; Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure; Director of Air Transport Management at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Ahmed Tijani; FAAN directors, aviation stakeholders and other invited guests.

The domestic terminal commissioned during the event is named after Mallam Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, a respected aviation pioneer from Kano State, in recognition of his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Describing the project as another milestone in the administration’s aviation reform programme, Keyamo said:

“Today, we are gathered for the commissioning of the remodeled and upgraded Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. In aviation terms, we simply call it MAKIA.”

He emphasised Kano’s critical role in Nigeria’s economy, describing the city as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria.

“The Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport remains the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. Kano, for us, remains the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. That is why we have earmarked Kano for major upgrades.”

Keyamo also disclosed that work has already commenced on upgrading the airport’s Hajj Terminal.

“We have also begun the upgrade of the Hajj Terminal. That project is ongoing, and contractors are already on site as we speak.”

He explained that the renovation of the Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal forms part of the Federal Government’s wider strategy to improve passenger comfort, operational efficiency, safety and service delivery at airports across the country.

Speaking at the event, FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku said the upgraded terminal demonstrates the Authority’s commitment to providing world-class airport infrastructure while improving the overall travel experience for passengers.

FAAN Board Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje praised President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation for prioritising infrastructure development at Kano Airport, noting that the ongoing projects would further reinforce Kano’s status as Northern Nigeria’s leading commercial and aviation gateway.

‘I Thought I Would Die’: Survivors Recall Horror As Powerful Earthquake Hits Japan

Yemisi Lanre-Idowu
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‘I Thought I Would Die’: Survivors Recall Horror As Powerful Earthquake Hits Japan

Survivors in Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture are describing scenes of fear and devastation after a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the region, killing at least 13 people and leaving widespread damage in its wake.

The earthquake hit late on Tuesday, sending buildings shaking violently and triggering a frantic emergency response across the region.

At Sendan Shokudo, a diner in Yatsushiro, 75-year-old co-owner Hiroko Ogata said she immediately took cover under a table as the building lurched from side to side.

Everything on the kitchen shelves fell to the ground, while bowls and glasses shattered.

“I was surprised, and scared,” Ogata told the BBC. “I thought I would die.”

The earthquake has brought back painful memories for residents of Kumamoto, an area located on an active tectonic fault system. In 2016, a series of powerful earthquakes killed hundreds of people and injured thousands more.

Residents said Tuesday’s tremor felt particularly intense, with strong aftershocks continuing to rattle communities hours later.

Yui, who runs a cake shop near an affected shopping mall, said she struggled to distinguish the sound of the earthquake from what she initially thought was an explosion.

“All I could do was hold the chair I was sitting in as big jolts came one after another,” she said.

Three people were reportedly killed at the Aeon shopping mall in Kumamoto City, while rescue teams continued searching for people believed to be missing.

Emergency services have been mobilised, with thousands of personnel deployed to assess damage and support rescue operations.

Power and water supplies have been disrupted in parts of Kumamoto City, while dozens of medical facilities have reportedly sustained damage.

The earthquake also damaged historic landmarks, with parts of Kumamoto Castle’s exterior walls collapsing and the worship hall of Yatsushiro Shrine reportedly destroyed.

For many residents, the immediate concern is survival. Some stores have reportedly run out of food and water, while damaged roads and continuing aftershocks have heightened fears of another major tremor.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, warning that further earthquakes could occur.

As rescue operations continue, survivors are also beginning the difficult task of rebuilding their lives and businesses.

Ogata said she has already started cleaning her restaurant, hoping to reopen as soon as possible.

But with aftershocks forcing her to stop work repeatedly, the road to normality remains uncertain.

“If we keep having this many aftershocks, it will be very stressful,” she said.

For residents across Kumamoto, the earthquake has left behind not only physical destruction but also the lingering fear of what might come next.

Japan Earthquake Leaves One Dead, Over 100 Injured As Search Continues

Favour Enyosa
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Japan Earthquake Leaves One Dead, Over 100 Injured As Search Continues

A major search-and-rescue operation is underway in southwestern Japan after a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, leaving several people feared trapped inside a shopping mall, damaging buildings, sparking fires and causing widespread disruption.

Emergency responders worked through the night after the 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities reported one confirmed death and more than 100 injuries, while rescue teams continued efforts to reach those believed to be trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Private broadcaster TBS reported that a “considerable number” of people were feared dead inside the Aeon Mall in Kashima after firefighters confirmed that part of the second floor had collapsed during the quake.

By Tuesday night, regional officials said 10 people were believed to be unaccounted for inside the shopping complex, according to public broadcaster NHK. Earlier, police sources quoted by NHK indicated that between 20 and 30 employees of the mall could not be reached.

Police, however, told AFP they could not yet confirm any fatalities inside the severely damaged building. Kyodo News reported that four people were rescued from the mall and taken to hospital, with all of them remaining conscious.

Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae assured the public that rescue operations would continue throughout the night.

Emergency vehicles are seen outside the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima town, Kumamoto Prefecture, on July 29, 2026 after an earthquake struck the area. Photo by YUICHI YAMAZAKI / AFP

“We will work tirelessly through the night, starting with the rescue and lifesaving of those affected,” the Prime Minister said.

Authorities also expressed concern over another incident at a factory in Yatsushiro City, where part of a chimney collapsed. NHK reported that several workers there were also unaccounted for.

Elsewhere, one person reportedly died after a house collapsed during the earthquake, according to Kyodo News.

Television footage from across Kumamoto showed widespread destruction, including fires, damaged bridges, a derailed cargo train and several homes left dangerously unstable.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said the earthquake struck at 4:27 p.m. (0727 GMT) with a magnitude of 7.1 and registered the maximum intensity of seven on Japan’s Shindo seismic scale.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) measured the quake at magnitude 6.8.

Several aftershocks followed, including one measuring 6.1 just over 40 minutes later.

Widespread Damage and Power Outages

Residents described scenes of panic as buildings shook violently.

Damage is seen to part of the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima town, Kumamoto Prefecture on July 29, 2026 after an earthquake struck the area. Photo by YUICHI YAMAZAKI / AFP

Chiharu Hara, a 35-year-old recruitment consultant in Kumamoto, said the experience was frightening.

“The office swayed violently side to side. I was afraid it would collapse. Everyone panicked,” she told AFP.

Videos verified by AFP captured traffic lights, heavy vehicles and streetlights shaking intensely for around 20 seconds, while other footage showed cracked roads and sections of damaged pavement.

The earthquake also forced the closure of several roads, suspended Shinkansen bullet train services across affected areas and temporarily shut Kumamoto Airport before it later resumed operations.

Hospitals across the region received dozens of injured victims.

NHK reported that at least two hospitals admitted more than 50 injured patients each.

“People are coming in with burns and fractures from being trapped under objects due to the earthquake, and ambulances are constantly bringing in injured people,” one hospital worker told NHK.

“Inside the hospital, there are water leaks and electrical system failures.”

The broadcaster also reported that approximately 10 elderly residents sustained injuries at a nursing home.

Prime Minister Sanae confirmed that authorities had recorded “human casualties, building collapses, road damage, fires…,” along with widespread electricity and water outages.

Japan’s military deployed 3,600 personnel and 20 aircraft to support emergency operations and assess the extent of the destruction.

Verified videos circulating online also showed sections of the historic Kumamoto Castle walls collapsing during the tremor.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that no abnormalities were detected at nearby nuclear facilities.

Kyushu Electric Power reported that around 45,000 homes and facilities lost electricity following the quake, although three nuclear reactors operating in the region continued functioning normally.

Japan’s Ongoing Earthquake Risk

A local NHK journalist reporting live shortly after the earthquake said the tremors continued well after the initial shock.

“Including myself, there may be some people who feel their hearts racing,” the reporter said.

Kumamoto has experienced devastating earthquakes before. In 2016, two powerful quakes measuring 6.5 and 7.3 struck the prefecture within two days, claiming 273 lives and injuring more than 2,800 people.

Japan remains one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations because it sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where four major tectonic plates converge.

The country experiences hundreds of earthquakes every year, accounting for roughly 18 per cent of global seismic activity. While most are minor, stronger quakes continue to pose significant risks depending on their depth and location.

The nation still bears the scars of the devastating magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which claimed or left missing about 18,500 people and triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

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