TOKYO (AP) — An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck Kumamoto on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu late Tuesday afternoon, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a temporary tsunami advisory. The advisory affected the nearby Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas along the western coasts of Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, and Saga prefectures, approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles) southwest of Tokyo. The advisories were lifted within two hours.
The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported the earthquake's magnitude as 7.1 but later revised it to 6.8. Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to stay away from the coastline, where a tsunami of up to 1 meter (3 feet) was predicted. She announced the establishment of a task force to gather information, assess potential damage, and prepare for rescue operations if necessary.
Takaichi reported that there have been injuries and damage to roads, bridges, and buildings, as well as instances of blackouts and fires, although specific details remain unclear. She advised those cooking to exercise caution due to the risk of fire and broken glass. "We are putting people’s lives as the top priority," Takaichi stated, encouraging residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant for possible strong aftershocks.
Shinji Kiyomoto, a planning officer at the Japan Meteorological Agency, noted that the shallow earthquake was causing active seismic activity in the region and advised residents to be cautious over the next two to three days for potential further quakes. No tsunami was observed from the inland quake.
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported no damage to major public facilities and infrastructure, although assessments of the earthquake's impact were ongoing. Local fire departments received numerous emergency calls.
The Japanese Nuclear Regulation Authority indicated that no abnormalities were detected at three nearby nuclear power plants. Shinkansen bullet trains and local trains in Kyushu were suspended for safety checks, and Aso Kumamoto Airport's runway was closed with no immediate plans for resuming operations. The Japanese Defense Ministry dispatched aircraft to the area to evaluate the situation.
Kumamoto experienced a devastating earthquake in 2016 that resulted in over 50 fatalities, 1,800 injuries, and significant damage to homes.