13 confirmed dead after Kumamoto quake rattles Japan chipmaking hub

Natural disastersTSMC evacuates workers and suspends some construction as authorities assess damageA building collapsed due to the earthquake in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto prefecture, shown on the morning of July 29. (Photo by Yo Inoue) YURIKA YONEDAJuly 29, 2026 10:46 JSTTOKYO -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Wednesday that 13 people had been confirmed dead following an earthquake in the southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto the previous day.Speaking to reporters at the prime minister's office, Takaichi said that as of 8:30 a.m., authorities had also confirmed widespread damage, including casualties, collapsed buildings, fires and damaged roads.The earthquake struck around 4:27 p.m. on Tuesday at a depth of about 16 kilometers, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported. It registered the maxi