Japan Earthquake: 7.1-Magnitude Quake Triggers Tsunami Warning; Injuries Reported

On Tuesday, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, triggering tsunami warnings and emergency response precautions. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake took place at a depth of 10 kilometres below the seabed. Read on to know more.

7.1 Magnitude Hit Japan, Triggering Tsunami Alert

As per a news report by NDTV, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the earthquake caused injuries and led to the collapse of at least one building. Officials are evaluating the extent of the damage while rescue and emergency teams remain on alert.

Following the tremor, the JMA released a tsunami warning, predicting waves of up to one metre along parts of the coast. People living in affected coastal areas have been urged to evacuate to higher ground and follow official safety guidelines. Public broadcaster NHK claimed that waves of this height may already have reached some coastal locations. The Prime Minister’s Office has ordered relevant agencies to quickly assess the damage, prioritise rescuing lives and carry out emergency response operations without delay.

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The Nuclear Regulation Authority verified that no abnormalities have been detected at nuclear power plants in the aftermath of the quake. Emergency earthquake warnings were issued for Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita and Miyazaki prefectures across Kyushu.

Second Earthquake in A Month

If reports are to be believed, the latest earthquake occurred just days after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan on June 25, which led to no fatalities or major damage.

Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where four major tectonic plates meet. The country is prone to hundreds of earthquakes every year, accounting for nearly 18% of global seismic activity.

The nation still bears the aftermath of the devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which claimed around 18,500 lives and triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Earlier this year, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake also shook northern Japan, harming several people and prompting officials to temporarily issue an advisory warning of an increased risk of even stronger earthquakes.

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We hope everyone is safe.

Cover Image Courtesy: X/Visegrad 24

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