Earthquake in Japan's Southwest Causes Damage and Injuries

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan's southwest on Tuesday at 4:27 PM local time, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reported that the earthquake caused building collapses and sparked fires, with at least 50 people hospitalized, as reported by broadcaster NHK. Television footage showed damaged bridges, a derailed cargo train, and cracked roads following the tremor on Kyushu island. The US Geological Survey measured the quake at 6.8. Takaichi stated that assessments of injuries and property damage were ongoing, noting power outages and damage to infrastructure. The JMA initially issued a tsunami alert for waves up to one meter but later withdrew it, stating no tsunami activity had been observed. Approximately 45,000 households in the Kumamoto region were reported to be without power, but three nuclear reactors in the area were functioning normally. Japan experiences hundreds of earthquakes annually, with the majority causing little damage. The country is located on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', making it one of the world's most seismically active regions.