Small Earthquake Hits Nagasaki and Kumamoto in Japan
Listen to the story
A minor earthquake struck parts of Nagasaki and Kumamoto prefectures in Japan early on 28 September 2026.
The quake occurred at around 6:29 in the morning, local time.
Affected areas included Unzen City in Nagasaki, as well as Kumamoto Misato Town, Itsuki Village, Kuma Village, and Kamiamakusa City in Kumamoto.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake had a maximum seismic intensity of 1.
In Japan, seismic intensity is measured on a scale from 0 to 7, showing how strongly people feel shaking in a specific location.
An intensity of 1 is the second-lowest level, meaning only a few people indoors would notice slight shaking.
The agency announced details about the earthquake at 6:31 a.m., just two minutes after it happened.
This announcement included information about which cities and towns experienced shaking, listed by intensity level.
No damage or injuries were reported in connection with this earthquake.
Japan is located in a highly seismically active region, so small earthquakes are common across the country.
Many buildings there are specially designed to handle frequent minor tremors safely.
Local authorities regularly monitor seismic activity to give quick public updates, as seen in this case.
This event appears to be a routine, minor earthquake without any reported consequences for residents in the affected areas.
Vocabulary5 words
- earthquake
- sudden shaking of the ground
- Japan Meteorological Agency
- the official Japanese group that reports weather and earthquakes
- seismic intensity
- a number that shows how strong shaking feels in a place
- intensity level
- a step on a scale showing how strong something is
- seismically active
- having many earthquakes
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Quiz
Answer key
1. 1 2. Japan Meteorological Agency 3. False
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A minor _____ struck parts of Nagasaki and Kumamoto prefectures in Japan early on 28 September 2026.
The quake occurred at around _____ in the morning, local time.
Affected areas included Unzen City in Nagasaki, as well as Kumamoto Misato Town, Itsuki Village, Kuma Village, and _____ City in Kumamoto.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake had a maximum seismic intensity of _____.
In Japan, seismic intensity is measured on a scale from 0 to _____.
An intensity of 1 is the second-_____ level.
The agency announced details about the earthquake at _____ a.m.
No _____ or injuries were reported in connection with this earthquake.
Japan is located in a highly _____ region.
Many buildings there are specially _____ to handle frequent minor tremors safely.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think agencies announce even very small earthquakes to the public?
- How might frequent small earthquakes affect the way buildings are designed in Japan?
- Do you think it's important for news to report minor natural events like this? Why or why not?
- How does your country handle warnings about natural events like earthquakes or storms?
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