A strong earthquake struck Japan, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning. The earthquake, measuring a magnitude of 7.1, jolted several towns in Kumamoto on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, reaching the highest level seven on Japan’s Shindo scale of shaking.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami alert for the nearby Ariake bay on the western coasts of Kumamoto, approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles) southwest of Tokyo. Kumamoto had previously experienced a devastating earthquake in 2016, resulting in over 50 fatalities, 1,800 injuries, and extensive damage to tens of thousands of homes.
The quake’s epicenter was located in the city of Uki, just south of Kumamoto, at a depth of 10km, according to The Japan Times. Approximately 45,600 households in Kumamoto Prefecture were left without power, as reported by the Kyushu Electric company.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas of the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas, advising people to stay away from the shore. Following the earthquake, the first tsunami wave was expected to have reached these seas, with additional waves anticipated.
The Japanese government issued emergency earthquake warnings for Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, and Miyazaki prefectures, all situated on Japan’s southern Kyushu island. No immediate reports of damage or injuries were received following the earthquake, which occurred at 4:29 pm local time.
The earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1, shook Kumamoto on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu late Tuesday afternoon. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory in response to the seismic activity. The quake struck at a depth of 10km (6mi) beneath the sea surface, according to JMA.
The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that there was no tsunami risk beyond local coastlines.
