TOKYO: Japanese authorities issued a tsunami alert on Tuesday after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu, triggering evacuations, transport disruptions, and warnings of strong aftershocks.
The earthquake registered one of the highest levels on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, prompting emergency alerts across several prefectures.
Tsunami alert covers multiple prefectures
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), a tsunami alert was issued for parts of Kyushu, including:
- Kumamoto
- Nagasaki
- Kagoshima
- Fukuoka
- Saga
- Oita
The agency warned that tsunami waves of up to 1 metre (3.28 feet) were possible and confirmed that the first wave had reached parts of Kyushu following the earthquake.
Authorities urged residents to stay away from coastal areas until the alert is officially lifted.
“The sea and areas near the coast are dangerous. Please immediately move away from the coast. Until the advisory is lifted, do not enter the sea or approach the coast,” the JMA said.
Major 7.1-magnitude earthquake hits southern Japan, disrupting power and transport
Evacuations and transport disruptions
Evacuation orders were issued for areas surrounding the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea as a precaution against possible tsunami waves.
Rail operator JR Kyushu suspended all train services, including its high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains, after the powerful tremor.
Emergency officials also warned that strong aftershocks could continue over the coming days and advised residents to remain alert.
Japan remains vulnerable to major earthquakes
Japan sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries.
The latest quake comes nearly a decade after the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, when two powerful tremors struck the region, killing 278 people and injuring around 2,800 others, according to official figures.
Authorities continue to assess damage from Tuesday’s earthquake while monitoring seismic activity and tsunami conditions across southern Japan.
