Key facts
- A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture, Japan.
- The earthquake caused injuries, infrastructure damage, blackouts, and fires.
- A tsunami advisory was issued for local coastal areas but was later lifted.
- No abnormalities were found at nearby nuclear power plants.
- Train services and airport operations were suspended for safety checks.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck south-west Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu island, registering the maximum seismic intensity. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas, warning of waves up to 1 meter, but the advisories were lifted within two hours. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reported that there were injuries and damage to roads, bridges, and buildings, along with blackouts and fires. She urged residents to be cautious of potential aftershocks and fires. No abnormalities were found at three nearby nuclear power plants. Shinkansen bullet trains and local trains in Kyushu were suspended for safety checks, and the runway at Aso Kumamoto Airport was closed. The Japanese Defense Ministry dispatched aircraft to assess the situation. Over 150,000 people were asked to move to evacuation shelters. Footage showed cracked roads and bridges, and several buildings on fire. At least 50 people were being treated in hospital, with 10 injured at an elderly care home.