A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu late Tuesday afternoon, prompting a temporary tsunami advisory for nearby coastal areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the advisory for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas on the western coasts of Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, and Saga prefectures. These advisories were lifted within two hours.
The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported the earthquake's magnitude as 7.1, later revising it to 6.8. The shallow earthquake generated active seismic activity in the region, and officials cautioned residents about the potential for strong aftershocks over the next two to three days. No tsunami was ultimately observed.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reported that her government established a task force to gather information, assess damage, and prepare for rescue operations. Initial reports indicated a number of injuries and damage to roads, bridges, and buildings, along with blackouts and fires, though specific details were still being clarified. Takaichi urged residents to exercise caution, especially regarding fire hazards and broken glass.
Authorities reported no damage to major public facilities and infrastructure, although local fire departments received numerous emergency calls as damage assessments continued. No abnormalities were detected at three nearby nuclear power plants.
Transportation was affected, with Shinkansen bullet trains and local trains in Kyushu suspended for safety checks. The runway at Aso Kumamoto Airport was closed, with no immediate prospect of resuming operations. The Japanese Defense Ministry dispatched aircraft to the area to assess the situation.
Kumamoto prefecture has a history of significant seismic activity. In 2016, a deadly earthquake in the same region claimed over 50 lives, injured 1,800 people, and left tens of thousands of homes damaged or destroyed.