Powerful Earthquake Strikes Japan’s Kumamoto, Tsunami Warnings Issued

A powerful earthquake hit Japan’s southern Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, prompting tsunami warnings in the area. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake registered a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 and occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, or just over 6 miles. This is at the highest end of the seismic intensity scale.

The quake struck at around 4:27 p.m. local time (3:27 a.m. ET). The Japan’s Cabinet Office’s Disaster Management Division issued a tsunami advisory for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas shortly after. Residents were urged to evacuate coastal areas immediately and remain away until the advisory was lifted.

Though the earthquake’s immediate impact was unclear, reports indicated potential damage. Video footage online, verified by NBC News, showed damage to part of the outer walls of Kumamoto Castle, a well-known tourist location. The castle was already known to have sustained damage in the devastating earthquakes of 2016.

Rumors from social media claimed that operations at the castle would be halted for at least the rest of Tuesday due to the damage.

Livecam footage from Kumamoto City also displayed shaking buildings. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service confirmed no tsunami warning, advisory, watch, or threat for Hawaii or American Samoa.

This story is developing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.