A powerful earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on the southwestern island of Kyushu on Tuesday at 4:30pm (07:30 GMT), causing widespread damage and injuries, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake, initially reported as magnitude 7.1, was later revised to 6.8.

Earthquake Damage and Aftermath

The quake was followed by aftershocks, including a magnitude 4.1 tremor that struck just after midnight on Wednesday, as emergency crews continued rescue operations and assessed the scale of the destruction. A tsunami advisory was issued immediately after the earthquake but was later lifted.

The earthquake caused extensive infrastructure damage, with NHK footage showing parts of the Kyushu Expressway split apart and a section of the wall surrounding Kumamoto Castle collapsed. Authorities are still assessing the damage to buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.

Impact on Local Communities

The earthquake had a significant impact on local communities, with at least one person dying in hospital after being found in a collapsed house, and 20 to 30 shopping mall workers unaccounted for. One hospital reported receiving more than 50 wounded people, while another reported about 40 wounded, including 10 in a serious condition, according to NHK.

About 300,000 people have been instructed to go to evacuation centres, according to Reuters. Residents have been warned to expect day-two tremors as they wake up on Wednesday morning, as the Japan Meteorological Agency reported more than 60 aftershocks.

Earthquake Prone Region

Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several major tectonic plates meet, making it a region prone to earthquakes. The country experiences thousands of earthquakes every year, as the Pacific, Philippine Sea, Eurasian, and North American plates constantly shift against one another. Strict building codes and regular earthquake drills have helped reduce casualties, but powerful earthquakes can still cause widespread destruction.

As the situation continues to unfold, residents and authorities are bracing for further aftershocks and assessing the full extent of the damage. The Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in neighboring Kagoshima prefecture, south of Kumamoto, reported no abnormalities following the earthquake.

  • Magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday at 4:30pm (07:30 GMT)
  • At least one person died in hospital after being found in a collapsed house
  • 20 to 30 shopping mall workers unaccounted for
  • About 300,000 people instructed to go to evacuation centres
  • More than 60 aftershocks reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency

The Japanese government and emergency services will continue to assess the situation and provide updates on the earthquake damage and relief efforts. Residents are advised to stay informed and follow evacuation instructions to ensure their safety.