# Kumamoto earthquake: Rail and road recovery progresses > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kumamoto-earthquake-rail-disruptions-in-kyushu > Updated: 2026-08-29T05:35:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 6. The magnitude-7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on 28 July 2026 caused extensive infrastructure damage across Kyushu, resulting in 39 fatalities and damage to over 32,000 buildings. Road recovery has seen significant progress. The Kyushu Expressway fully reopened to general traffic on 14 August 2026 after NEXCO West Japan completed repairs on the final closed section between the Matsubase Interchange in Kumamoto and the Ebino Interchange in Miyazaki. Additionally, as of 18 August, partial access was restored on the Minami Kyushu Expressway between the Yatsushiro-minami IC and Tanoura IC following repairs to bridge joints, though the stretch between Yatsushiro Junction and Yatsushiro-minami IC remains closed. Rail services are also set to recover. JR Kyushu announced that the Kyushu Shinkansen will resume service between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata on 18 September 2026, reconnecting the full line between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo. To expedite this, the company is using temporary repairs and speed restrictions to address damage to approximately 1,000 pieces of equipment, including structural issues at the Minamikawagashi Bridge. Local services on the Kagoshima Main Line between Uto and Yatsushiro are expected to resume around mid-October. Water security remains a critical challenge. In Yatsushiro, many residents face shortages due to damaged or turbid private wells. Prime Minister Takaichi has met with Kumamoto Governor Kimura to discuss financial support for repairing individual wells and conducting necessary investigations. ## Claims - The earthquake damaged the Kyushu Shinkansen between Kumamoto and Shin‑Minamata stations, making an August reopening unlikely. (corroborated by 4 sources) - More than 48,530 households lost electricity and about 77,000 households remained without water in Kumamoto after the quake. (corroborated by 2 sources) - A magnitude‑7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, 2026, with a maximum intensity of 7. (single source) - Road closures on the Kyushu Expressway affected about 40 % of transport companies in Miyazaki Prefecture. (single source) - Kagoshima Airport cancelled 14 flights after runway damage caused by the earthquake. (single source) - Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced that 13 deaths were confirmed following the quake. (single source) - Gas supply was halted for about 9,000 households in Yatsushiro City after the earthquake. (single source) - Bridge collapses and tunnel blockages on the Kyushu Expressway are expected to require six months to a year of repairs. (single source) - JR Kyushu suspended service on the Kagoshima Main Line between Udo and Yatsushiro stations, with no reopening expected in August. (single source) - Ferry traffic between Kumamoto and Amakusa increased by about 20 % on July 29‑30 after the quake. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-29: Kyushu Shinkansen to resume Kumamoto-Shin-Minamata service on September 18 JR Kyushu will resume Kyushu Shinkansen service between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata on September 18, 2026, reconnecting the Hakata-Kagoshima line via temporary repairs following a major earthquake. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kyushu-shinkansen-to-resume-kumamoto-shin-minamata-service-on-september-18 ### 2026-08-16: Minami Kyushu Expressway partially reopens after Kumamoto Earthquake Three weeks after the Kumamoto Earthquake, parts of the Minami Kyushu Expressway have reopened, though critical sections remain closed and residents face ongoing challenges with well water access. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kyushu-expressway-fully-reopens-following-kumamoto-earthquake ### 2026-08-12: Kyushu Expressway fully reopens after Kumamoto Earthquake damage The Kyushu Expressway has fully reopened following repairs to sections damaged by the Kumamoto Earthquake, restoring a vital north-south transport artery for Kyushu. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kyushu-expressway-fully-reopens-after-kumamoto-earthquake-damage ### 2026-08-06: Kyushu Shinkansen set to resume limited service after Kumamoto earthquake JR Kyushu plans to give an August timetable for Kyushu Shinkansen restoration after the Kumamoto quake; limited service on the Shin‑Minamata‑Kagoshima line starts Aug 7, while the Kumamoto‑Shin‑Minamata segment 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kyushu-shinkansen-set-to-resume-limited-service-after-kumamoto-earthquake ### 2026-07-31: Kumamoto earthquake disrupts transport, power and rail services Kumamoto’s July 28 quake shut the Kyushu Expressway, halted rail service, left tens of thousands without power, water or gas, and forced travelers onto longer detour routes and ferries. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kyushu-shinkansen-and-kagoshima-main-line-remain-suspended-august-reopening-unlikely ### 2026-07-10: JR Kyushu’s Hijatsusan Line resumes after year‑long shutdown JR Kyushu restarted the Hijatsusan line on July 12, 2026 after a year‑long suspension caused by 2025 heavy rains, ending substitute bus service that locals, including Kirishima high‑school students, had relied 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jr-kyushus-hijatsusan-line-resumes-after-yearlong-shutdown --- Cite as: Kumamoto earthquake: Rail and road recovery progresses. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kumamoto-earthquake-rail-disruptions-in-kyushu