A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 shook Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island in southwestern Japan this Tuesday. The seismic event resulted in at least 50 hospitalizations and caused partial collapse of a shopping center, as reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Occurring at 4:27 PM local time (07:27 GMT), the earthquake's epicenter was located beneath the sea bed, approximately 10 kilometers deep off the coast of Kumamoto.
Japan's Shindo seismic scale recorded a maximum level of 7 in the Uki and Hikawa areas, with surrounding regions registering a level 6.
Seismic Activity and Tsunami Warnings
At 5:08 PM local time, a 6.1 magnitude aftershock also struck the Kumamoto area at a shallow depth. Following the main quake, authorities issued a tsunami warning for seven Kyushu prefectures—Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, and Miyazaki—anticipating waves up to one meter in the Ariake Bay.
The warning was later rescinded after the U.S.-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center ruled out any tsunami risk for the Japanese coast.
Infrastructure Damage and Emergency Response
Authorities mandated the evacuation of more than 150,000 individuals to shelters, advising of potential aftershocks of similar magnitude over the next week.
One of the most severe incidents involved the partial collapse of the Aeon Mall in Kashima city. "The second floor of the mall collapsed, leaving many people trapped inside," the Fire Department stated in a release, as reported by ABC. Police also received reports of a loud explosion at the site.
Television footage captured images of buildings aflame or collapsed, cracks in elevated highways, and a derailed freight train. Remarkably, despite visible swaying, some structures remained standing, a testament to Japan's stringent earthquake-resistant building codes.
Impact on Utilities and Industry
Kyushu Electric Power reported between 40,000 and 48,000 homes without electricity. JR Kyushu suspended all rail services, including the Shinkansen bullet trains, and Kumamoto Airport closed its runway.
In response to the quake, TSMC, the world's largest contract chip manufacturer, preemptively evacuated workers from its local plant. Sony is also assessing the impact on its facilities. The tremors were even felt in parts of South Korea, including the port city of Busan.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed no abnormalities at the Sendai (Kagoshima) or Genkai (Saga) nuclear plants, providing relief given the memory of the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Government's Reaction and Ongoing Efforts
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi acknowledged injuries, building collapses, fires, and damage to roads and bridges. "We have been informed of injuries," she stated during a press conference. "Our top priority is the safety of our citizens," Takaichi emphasized, announcing the formation of a government task force to coordinate information gathering and potential rescue operations.
Japan is home to about 20% of the world's earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or greater. Kumamoto Prefecture recently experienced tragedy in April 2016, when a series of earthquakes resulted in 275 deaths, 2,739 injuries, and the destruction of thousands of buildings, including the historic city castle.
Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage from the recent quake.
Understanding the Kumamoto Earthquake
What was the magnitude of the earthquake in Kumamoto?
The earthquake in Kumamoto had a magnitude of 7.1.
How many people were evacuated due to the earthquake?
Over 150,000 people were evacuated to shelters following the earthquake.
Were there any tsunami warnings issued?
Yes, a tsunami warning was issued for seven Kyushu prefectures, but it was later lifted.