Japan earthquake: Smartraveller warns Australians over aftershocks after deadly Kumamoto disaster
A fresh warning has been issued for Australian travellers after a deadly earthquake, with authorities cautioning that aftershocks could continue for days.
Australian tourists heading to Japan are being urged to stay alert as authorities warn the danger isn’t over following the powerful earthquake that devastated parts of the country’s south.
The federal government’s Smartraveller service has updated its travel advice after the 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, killing at least 30 people and injuring dozens more.
Officials are warning travellers that strong aftershocks remain a risk, with more than 100 already recorded since the initial quake. Transport disruptions are continuing across the region, while emergency crews race to search damaged buildings for survivors.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Aftershocks may continue,” Smartraveller said.
“If you’re in the affected area, follow the advice of local authorities.
“Check the Japan Meteorological Agency for earthquake and tsunami information and follow the Japan National Tourism Organisation for earthquake safety tips.”
Search and rescue operations remain underway, with crews combing through collapsed buildings in the hope of finding survivors.
About 170 emergency workers have been deployed to the Aeon shopping centre in the town of Kashima after part of the complex collapsed during the quake. Authorities believe an explosion, suspected to have been caused by a gas leak, followed the collapse, leaving an unknown number of people trapped beneath the rubble.
An Aeon spokesperson said customers and staff were evacuated immediately after the earthquake, adding the cause of the explosion remained under investigation.
The earthquake also caused significant damage to infrastructure across Kumamoto Prefecture. Buildings have partially collapsed, fires have broken out in several locations and major roads have cracked, while rail services have been suspended and flights disrupted.
Industrial sites have also been affected, including Nippon Paper Industries’ Yatsushiro factory, where multiple workers were trapped after a chimney collapsed and parts of the facility were damaged.
The region’s famous Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s best-known tourist attractions, also sustained fresh damage. Stone walls were impacted despite the landmark still undergoing restoration following previous earthquake damage.
The disaster has unfolded during an intense summer heatwave, creating additional challenges for thousands of displaced residents sheltering in evacuation centres after homes and power infrastructure were damaged.
Smartraveller has reminded Australians travelling to Japan to also prepare for dangerous temperatures during the northern hemisphere summer.
“Severe heatwaves can affect Japan between July and September,” the government agency said.
“Local authorities issue alerts when extremely high temperatures are predicted.
“Be alert to symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke.”
Japan remains one of Australia’s most popular overseas destinations, with more than one million Australians travelling there in 2025.
