Strong Earthquake Strikes Kumamoto, Japan

A powerful earthquake with a 7.1 magnitude rattled Kumamoto on Japan’s Kyushu island on Tuesday afternoon. The forceful tremor led to considerable damage and injuries, according to officials. At the Aeon Mall shopping center in Kashima Town, the second floor collapsed, trapping an undetermined number of individuals. Rescue operations conducted by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency are underway. The Kyodo News Agency reported an explosion prior to the collapse at the mall.

A tsunami advisory was briefly issued for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas along Kumamoto’s western coasts. This alert was lifted within two hours, as stated by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The epicenter of the earthquake was about 900 kilometers from Tokyo. Initially reported as a magnitude 7.1, the U.S. Geological Survey later revised the quake’s magnitude to 6.8.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed that the government has established a task force to gather information and prepare for potential rescue operations. Reports indicate injuries and damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, buildings, power outages, and fires. Takaichi advised citizens to exercise caution with fire hazards and broken glass. Approximately 40 injured individuals were admitted to a hospital in Yatsushiro city due to the quake, according to Kyodo News.

The quake caused a train to derail at Yatsushiro station, and damage was reported at Kumamoto Castle and nearby stone walls. In Mashiki, a few stone lanterns toppled at a Shinto shrine. Hiroki Shimoda from Mifune town hall reported seeing rooftiles of nearby homes crash to the ground, recalling the devastating Kumamoto quake from 10 years ago.

Though there were no reports of damage to major public facilities or infrastructure, authorities continue to assess the full scope of the damage. Many emergency calls have been reported for fires and damaged homes. Prime Minister Takaichi stressed prioritizing people’s safety and advised caution due to possible aftershocks.

Shinji Kiyomoto, from the Japan Meteorological Agency, warned that the shallow earthquake might trigger further seismic activity in the coming days. While no tsunami was observed, authorities remain vigilant. The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed no issues at nearby nuclear power plants. Shinkansen bullet and local trains in Kyushu are suspended for safety checks, and operations at Aso Kumamoto Airport are currently halted.

The Japanese Defense Ministry dispatched aircraft to assess the situation in the affected area. In 2016, Kumamoto experienced a deadly earthquake that resulted in more than 50 fatalities, over 1,800 injuries, and extensive damage to thousands of homes.