A magnitude 7.1 earthquake shakes part of southern Japan but no tsunami detected
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu late Tuesday afternoon, prompting immediate concern across the region. Local authorities confirmed reports of structural damage to roads, bridges, and various buildings, alongside localized power outages and fires. Emergency response teams are currently on the ground to assess the situation and provide aid to those affected.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas shortly after the tremor. This advisory covered coastal areas in Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, and Saga. Officials lifted the warning within two hours, confirming that no significant tsunami activity occurred. While the threat of a tsunami has passed, officials continue to urge caution regarding aftershocks.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the government has established a task force to coordinate rescue efforts and gather data. Reports from Yatsushiro city indicate that a local hospital admitted approximately 40 individuals for injuries. Additionally, a train derailed at Yatsushiro station, and significant landmarks like Kumamoto castle sustained damage to stone walls. Local residents have expressed fears due to the intensity of the shaking, which brought back memories of the 2016 earthquake in the same region.
Transportation infrastructure remains heavily impacted as safety checks continue. Shinkansen bullet trains and local services are currently suspended throughout Kyushu. The Aso Kumamoto Airport remains closed, with no immediate timeline for resumption of flight operations. Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority reported that all three nearby nuclear power plants are stable with no abnormalities detected at this time.
Emergency services are prioritizing search and rescue operations in the hardest-hit areas. Residents in regions that experienced strong shaking are advised to monitor official channels for updates as authorities continue to clear debris and check the stability of public structures.