A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu on Tuesday afternoon, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a tsunami advisory for coastal areas.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the tsunami advisory specifically targeted the Ariake Bay region along the western coast of Kumamoto, approximately 900 kilometers southwest of Tokyo.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, through a message shared on the social media platform X, strongly advised residents to stay away from the coastline, where a tsunami of up to one meter (3 feet) was anticipated. She also announced the establishment of a government task force dedicated to gathering information, assessing potential damage, and preparing for rescue operations should they become necessary. Takaichi emphasized that prioritizing people’s lives was paramount and urged those in heavily impacted areas to remain cautious of potential strong aftershocks.
According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, initial reports indicated no significant damage to major public facilities or infrastructure in the affected region, though authorities were continuing to evaluate the full extent of the earthquake’s impact. The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that no abnormalities were detected at three nearby nuclear power plants following the seismic event.
In response to the earthquake, Shinkansen bullet trains and other local rail services across Kyushu were temporarily suspended to allow for safety inspections. The Japanese Ministry of Defence deployed aircraft to the affected area to conduct an aerial assessment of the situation and its consequences.
Kumamoto has a history of seismic activity, notably experiencing a devastating earthquake in 2016 which resulted in over 50 fatalities, approximately 1,800 injuries, and extensive damage or destruction to tens of thousands of homes. The current earthquake’s impact is under assessment, with authorities monitoring for aftershocks and any developing situations.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
