Earthquake Strikes Kyushu, Japan Causing Damage and Injuries

On Tuesday afternoon, a strong earthquake measuring a magnitude of 7.1 struck Kumamoto on Kyushu, Japan’s southern main island. The tremor caused extensive damage and injuries, according to officials. The Aeon Mall shopping center in Kashima Town experienced a collapse on the second floor, with several people reportedly trapped. Rescue efforts are underway, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Reports from Kyodo News indicate there was an explosion before the collapse.

An advisory warning of a tsunami was issued for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas, affecting the western coasts of Kumamoto and nearby regions. However, the Japan Meteorological Agency called it off within two hours. Kyushu is situated approximately 900 kilometers (540 miles) southwest of Tokyo.

The U.S. Geological Survey, which initially reported the earthquake as 7.1, revised the magnitude to 6.8 later on. Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted a message on X, describing the government’s formation of a task force to collect information on the earthquake’s impact. Reports suggest there are injuries and damages affecting infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Additionally, blackouts and fires have been noted, though specific details are still pending.

Takaichi asked residents to be mindful of fire hazards, especially while cooking, and to watch for sharp glass fragments. A hospital in Yatsushiro city has reportedly treated around 40 people with quake-related injuries. The quake also derailed a train at Yatsushiro station and caused damage to the stone structures of Kumamoto castle. Stone lanterns fell at a Shinto shrine in Mashiki, worrying locals about potential further tilting of structures.

Although the Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported no major public facilities’ damage, local fire departments received numerous emergency calls. Takaichi emphasized making people’s safety the highest priority, advising residents to remain vigilant for aftershocks.

The shaking was reminiscent of the Kumamoto quake that happened 10 years ago, said Hiroki Shimoda, an official at the Mifune town hall, noting damage to rooftiles nearby.

Shinji Kiyomoto from the Japan Meteorological Agency cautioned that seismic activity could persist for a few days. Fortunately, no tsunami resulted from this inland quake. The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that nearby nuclear power plants showed no signs of damage.

Operations for Shinkansen bullet trains and local services in Kyushu have halted for safety assessments. The runway closure at Aso Kumamoto Airport is ongoing, with no timeline for reopening. The Japanese Defense Ministry has deployed aircraft to assess the area. Kumamoto previously suffered a deadly earthquake in 2016, which resulted in over 50 deaths, injuries to 1,800 individuals, and significant housing destruction.