A strong earthquake struck Japan, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning. The earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.1, shook multiple towns in Kumamoto on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, reaching the highest level on Japan’s Shindo seismic intensity scale.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami alert for Ariake Bay on the western coasts of Kumamoto, approximately 900 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. Kumamoto had previously experienced a devastating quake in 2016, resulting in over 50 casualties, 1,800 injuries, and extensive property damage.
The agency also issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas of the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas, advising residents to steer clear of the coast. Following the earthquake, the first tsunami wave arrived in the seas, with additional waves anticipated.
The Japanese government issued emergency earthquake warnings for regions including Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, and Miyazaki prefectures on Kyushu island. Despite the earthquake occurring at 4:29 pm local time, no immediate reports of damage or injuries were received.
The earthquake, located in western Kumamoto about 900 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, registered a preliminary magnitude of 7.1. The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that the tsunami risk was localized to coastal areas.
The earthquake struck Kumamoto on Kyushu’s main island late Tuesday afternoon, with a depth of 10 kilometers below the sea surface, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.