A strong earthquake struck Japan, prompting a tsunami warning. The quake, with a magnitude of 7.1, hit several towns in Kumamoto on the southern island of Kyushu, registering the highest level seven on Japan’s Shindo scale. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami alert for Ariake bay on Kumamoto’s western coast, approximately 900 kilometers southwest of Tokyo.
Kumamoto experienced a devastating earthquake in 2016, resulting in over 50 fatalities, 1,800 injuries, and extensive damage to homes. The quake’s epicenter was in Uki, just south of Kumamoto, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Around 45,600 households in Kumamoto Prefecture lost power, according to Kyushu Electric.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas near Ariake and Yatsushiro seas, warning people to stay away from the shore. The first tsunami wave was reported shortly after the quake, with more expected to follow. The Japanese government issued emergency earthquake warnings for various prefectures on Kyushu island, including Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, and Miyazaki.
No immediate reports of damage or injuries were received following the quake at 4:29 pm local time. The earthquake occurred in western Kumamoto, approximately 900 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stated that there was no tsunami risk beyond local coasts.
Late Tuesday afternoon, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Kumamoto on Kyushu, triggering a tsunami advisory from the Japan Meteorological Agency. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers below the sea surface.
