Story perspectives

6.8-Magnitude Japan Quake Kills 38, Shows Retrofit Benefits

8/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

A magnitude-6.8 quake struck southwestern Japan, killing 38 and damaging a few hundred buildings on Kyushu.
Seismologists and officials in Kumamoto said the death toll reflects lessons from the 2016 twin earthquakes.
Professor Katsuichiro Goda of Western University in Canada said the reduced casualties result from tens of billions spent on earthquake-proofing in past decade.
Goda noted the tremor resembled the June quakes in Venezuela, which killed over 6,000 people.

1 of 1

Story summary

A magnitude-6.8 quake struck southwestern Japan, killing 38 and damaging a few hundred buildings on Kyushu.
Seismologists and officials in Kumamoto said the death toll reflects lessons from the 2016 twin earthquakes.
Professor Katsuichiro Goda of Western University in Canada said the reduced casualties result from tens of billions spent on earthquake-proofing in past decade.
Goda noted the tremor resembled the June quakes in Venezuela, which killed over 6,000 people.