Japanese authorities on Tuesday issued tsunami warnings after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s southern region, leaving several people injured and causing widespread disruption.
The earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre located in Kumamoto Prefecture on the south-western island of Kyushu.
Public broadcaster NHK reported that emergency services received numerous calls relating to injuries, fires and strong aftershocks following the quake.
The tremor also cut electricity supply to about 48,000 households in Kumamoto Prefecture.
Authorities said no abnormalities had been detected at any nuclear power plants.
Several sections of motorway across Kyushu were closed as emergency responders assessed the impact of the earthquake.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi directed relevant ministries to carry out a swift assessment of the situation and implement necessary emergency response measures.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency also issued a tsunami warning, cautioning that waves of up to one metre could reach affected coastal areas.
Kumamoto was devastated by a 7.3-magnitude earthquake a decade ago, which claimed dozens of lives, displaced tens of thousands of residents and caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including the historic Kumamoto Castle.
