Key facts
- A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.
- The quake registered the highest seismic intensity of 7 in Uki and Hikawa.
- Tsunami advisories were issued for the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas.
- Multiple injuries, fires, and a power outage affecting 48,000 households were reported.
- Nuclear power plants in the region reported no abnormalities.
- Transportation services, including airport operations and train lines, were suspended.
A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck southwestern Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, registering the highest level of 7 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale in several areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued tsunami advisories for the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas, which were later lifted. The quake's focus was in Kumamoto Prefecture at a depth of about 10 kilometers. The Uki Fire Department reported continuous emergency calls, with multiple people possibly injured and a fire breaking out. A power outage affected approximately 48,000 households in the prefecture. The JMA warned of the risk of building collapses and landslides and advised people to remain alert for similar quakes. No abnormalities were reported at the Sendai or Genkai nuclear power plants. Operations were suspended at Aso Kumamoto Airport and on all JR Kyushu train lines.