A powerful earthquake has struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto Prefecture, prompting tsunami warnings in the region. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 and a depth of 10 kilometers, or just over 6 miles. The earthquake reached the highest end of the seismic intensity scale.
Japan’s Cabinet Office’s Disaster Management Division noted that the earthquake occurred around 4:27 p.m. local time (3:27 a.m. ET). Following the quake, a tsunami advisory was issued for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas. Authorities urged residents to evacuate coastal areas immediately and avoid returning until the advisory was lifted.
The earthquake’s impact on the ground is not yet clear. Reports and footage from Tokyo showed a substantial quake and potential one-meter tsunami waves affecting Southern Japan. A video published online, geolocated by NBC News, displayed portions of Kumamoto Castle’s outer walls damaged and enveloped in dust. The castle, a significant tourist attraction, announced via an X account that it would suspend operations for at least the remainder of Tuesday due to the earthquake’s impact.
This event struck over a decade after the castle suffered damage during the deadly earthquakes in 2016. Livecam footage also indicated buildings shaking in Kumamoto City.
The National Weather Service reported no tsunami warning, advisory, watch, or threat for Hawaii or American Samoa at this time.
This is an unfolding news situation. Stay tuned for further updates.
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