Strong Earthquake Strikes Southern Japan
A powerful earthquake struck Japan’s southern Kyushu region on Tuesday, injuring dozens of people, damaging buildings and disrupting electricity and transport services. Authorities initially issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas, but later lifted it after no significant waves were detected.
Japan Earthquake Strikes Kumamoto Prefecture
The earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometres. Japan’s Meteorological Agency recorded a preliminary magnitude of 7.1, while another international monitoring agency later estimated it at magnitude 6.8.
Strong shaking was reported across Kyushu, with damage recorded in Kumamoto and surrounding prefectures. Emergency services received reports of fires, collapsed structures, damaged roads and people trapped or injured.
At least 50 people were reported injured as authorities continued assessing the full impact.
Tsunami Advisory Issued and Later Lifted
A tsunami advisory was issued for coastal areas around the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas, with possible waves of up to one metre initially forecast.
Residents in parts of Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Fukuoka and Saga prefectures were advised to move away from coastlines and follow evacuation instructions.
The advisory was later withdrawn after monitoring stations detected no significant tsunami. Authorities continued warning residents to remain alert for aftershocks and possible landslides.
Power and Transport Services Disrupted
Electricity supplies were disrupted to tens of thousands of homes following the earthquake. High-speed Shinkansen services were temporarily suspended, while flights and local train operations also faced delays.
Several companies evacuated workers from industrial facilities in the affected region as precautionary inspections were conducted.
Japanese authorities said no abnormalities had been detected at nuclear power plants near the affected area. A government task force was formed to coordinate rescue operations, infrastructure inspections and emergency assistance.
