TOKYO: A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto Prefecture, injuring at least 50 people, cutting off power to thousands of homes, and severely disrupting the transportation network.
The quake damaged roads, bridges, and buildings, and caused fires in some areas. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that authorities are currently gathering complete details of the casualties and financial losses.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for coastal regions of the southern Kyushu island, forecasting waves up to one meter high.
However, no tsunami activity has been observed so far, and the warning is expected to be lifted soon depending on future sea-level conditions. Aftershocks warnings were also issued.
Around 40,000 households in Kumamoto lost power, and railway services were suspended.
Fortunately, no damage has been reported at the nuclear power plants located in the affected area.
Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, with roughly 20 percent of the globe’s earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater occurring there.
