Situation Overview
On 28 July 2026, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu island at 16:27 local time.
The earthquake caused significant damage in parts of the region, impacting buildings, transport infrastructure and utilities, while authorities continued to assess the full extent of the disruption. A tsunami advisory was issued immediately after the quake and later lifted.
In response, Japanese authorities deployed emergency services and Self-Defense Force personnel to support rescue operations, assist affected communities and carry out damage assessments. Evacuation centres have been opened, while inspections of rail services, roads, airports and other critical infrastructure have led to some temporary transport disruptions as safety checks continue. Power and communications providers are also working to restore affected services.
Authorities have warned that aftershocks remain possible and have advised residents to follow official guidance and remain vigilant. While recovery efforts are ongoing, localised disruption to transport, utilities, communications and normal business operations may continue in some affected areas.
Mauve Group is actively monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with workers and clients where appropriate.
Guidance for Workers
If you are located in or near an affected area, please:
Follow instructions and updates issued by local authorities and emergency services.
Remain alert to possible aftershocks following the initial earthquake.
Avoid entering damaged buildings or infrastructure until they have been inspected and declared safe.
Follow any evacuation, coastal safety or emergency guidance issued for your area.
Prioritise your personal safety and the safety of your family members.
Inform your manager and Mauve Group if the situation affects your safety, location, wellbeing or ability to work.
Workers who are affected by the earthquake should contact Mauve Group as soon as they are able to confirm their wellbeing and advise of any support requirements.
Guidance for Clients
Mauve Group is conducting welfare checks and monitoring any impact on workers employed through our Employer of Record services in affected regions.
Clients can support these efforts by:
Maintaining communication with workers in potentially affected areas.
Allowing flexibility where workers are experiencing disruption to travel, utilities, communications or local infrastructure.
Informing Mauve Group if they become aware of any change to a worker's safety, wellbeing, location, contactability or ability to work.
Sharing any information that may assist with worker welfare assessments and business continuity planning.
Timely communication between workers, clients and Mauve Group enables appropriate support measures to be implemented where required.
Mauve Group's Response
As part of our duty of care responsibilities, Mauve Group is:
Monitoring official updates from local authorities and emergency services.
Contacting workers in affected regions to confirm their wellbeing.
Assessing any reported disruption to worker safety, location or working arrangements.
Working with clients to address any operational impacts affecting their workforce.
Providing updates where significant developments may affect workers or business operations.
Contacting Mauve Group
If you have concerns regarding a worker's wellbeing, location or ability to work following this event, please contact your Account Manager or the Mauve Client Services team as soon as possible.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates where necessary.