A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan, prompting tsunami warnings and emergency alerts across several parts of Kyushu Island. The quake was centred near Kumamoto Prefecture and was felt across a wide region, leading authorities to issue evacuation advisories for residents living along the coast.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, tsunami waves of up to one metre were expected to reach parts of the southern coastline. Residents in vulnerable coastal communities were urged to move to higher ground and follow official evacuation instructions as a precaution.
Prime Minister Sanaye Takaichi said the earthquake caused injuries in several areas and damaged multiple buildings. Emergency services were immediately deployed to assess the situation, assist affected residents and inspect roads, bridges and public infrastructure. Authorities continue to evaluate the full extent of the damage.
The Japanese government also issued strong earthquake alerts for several cities on Kyushu, including Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Fukuoka and Saga. Officials advised people to remain vigilant, warning that aftershocks could occur in the coming hours or days.
As of the latest reports, there were no confirmed fatalities, though rescue teams were continuing search and assessment operations. Local authorities are closely monitoring coastal conditions and urging the public to rely only on official information for updates.
Japan is among the world's most earthquake-prone nations because it sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet. The country frequently experiences seismic activity and maintains one of the world's most advanced earthquake monitoring and disaster response systems to minimise the impact of such natural disasters.
