A strong earthquake struck Japan, prompting a tsunami warning from authorities. The quake, measuring magnitude 7.1, affected several towns in Kumamoto on Kyushu, Japan’s southern island. It reached the highest level seven on Japan’s Shindo scale of shaking.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami alert for Ariake bay near Kumamoto’s western coasts, approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles) southwest of Tokyo. Kumamoto had previously experienced a devastating earthquake in 2016, resulting in over 50 fatalities, 1,800 injuries, and extensive damage to homes.
Despite the earthquake occurring at 4:29 pm local time, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damages. The seismic event took place in the western Kumamoto region, about 900 kilometers (540 miles) southwest of Tokyo. The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that the risk of a tsunami extended only to local coastlines.
Late Tuesday afternoon, a preliminary magnitude 7.1 earthquake rattled Kumamoto on Kyushu, Japan’s main southern island. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory in response. According to JMA, the quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) below the sea surface.