As the summer vacation season approaches, concerns are rising among tourists planning trips to Japan. This follows a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture and the impending arrival of Typhoon Dolphin.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency and local media, the earthquake struck at 4:27 p.m. on July 28 in the Kumamoto region. The quake had a depth of about 10 kilometers, with the highest intensity of 'shindo 7' recorded in Uki and Hikawa.
The earthquake caused casualties and damage, with at least 13 fatalities reported. Buildings collapsed, fires broke out, roads were damaged, and there were power and water outages across Kumamoto. Following the earthquake, an explosion and subsequent collapse occurred at a shopping mall in the area, prompting rescue operations. Over 100 aftershocks have been recorded in the Kyushu region. Authorities have urged residents in areas that experienced strong tremors to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks over the next week.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a safety notice on July 28, confirming that tremors were felt in southern Japan, including Kyushu, due to the Kumamoto earthquake. Although a tsunami advisory for the western coast of Kumamoto was lifted, aftershocks continue, and citizens in the area have been advised to take extra precautions.
Transportation services that were suspended immediately after the earthquake are gradually resuming. Aso Kumamoto Airport experienced disruptions to domestic and international flights on July 28 but resumed operations on July 29. However, the airport has cautioned that some flights and airport services may still be affected, advising travelers to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
At this point, it does not seem necessary to cancel all travel plans to Japan. The earthquake's impact has been concentrated in Kumamoto, and uncertainties remain regarding the path and approach of the typhoon.
Typhoon Dolphin, currently maintaining a very strong intensity, is expected to strengthen further, with maximum wind speeds potentially reaching 55 meters per second by July 31. Wind speeds exceeding 54 meters per second are classified as 'very strong' by the Korea Meteorological Administration.
If the current forecast holds, Dolphin is expected to approach the Ogasawara Islands early next week with a 34% chance of entering the storm zone within the next five days, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The trajectory beyond five days remains uncertain, with some models indicating a possible shift toward the Japanese archipelago.
Travelers planning to visit Kumamoto and the surrounding Kyushu region are advised to check for aftershocks and local transportation conditions right before departure. However, there has been no official recommendation to cancel travel to areas such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido, which are far from the earthquake-affected regions.
For those planning to visit Japan in the first week of August, the path of Typhoon Dolphin could pose a significant variable. The typhoon's changing trajectory may suddenly impact flight and train operations, so it is essential to monitor airline updates and the latest forecasts from the Japan Meteorological Agency right before departure.
Especially when making new reservations for accommodations and flights, it is advisable to review cancellation and change fee policies related to natural disasters.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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