A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday, prompting tsunami warnings, causing injuries and widespread power outages across parts of the country.
According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, emergency services received numerous distress calls reporting injuries, fires and strong aftershocks following the quake.
The earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre located in Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s south-western main island of Kyushu.
The tremor disrupted electricity supply to about 48,000 households in Kumamoto, while several sections of major motorways across Kyushu were closed as authorities assessed the damage.
Despite the strong quake, Japanese media reported that no abnormalities were detected at nearby nuclear power stations.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi directed relevant ministries and emergency agencies to carry out rapid damage assessments and implement necessary response measures.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency also issued a tsunami warning, cautioning residents that waves of up to one metre could reach affected coastal areas.
The latest earthquake revived memories of the devastating 7.3-magnitude Kumamoto earthquake that struck the region a decade ago, claiming dozens of lives and forcing tens of thousands of residents into emergency shelters.
That disaster also caused extensive structural damage, including significant destruction to the historic Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as emergency responders assess the full extent of the damage and the risk of further aftershocks.
Source:NAN
