A powerful earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday, damaging buildings, disrupting services and injuring several people in Kumamoto Prefecture.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake measured magnitude 6.8 after initially estimating it at 7.1. It struck shortly before 4:30 p.m. local time at a depth of about six miles beneath Kyushu Island.
Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that a shopping mall in Kumamoto suffered significant structural damage. The building was evacuated as the tremor began, while parts of its roof and walls later collapsed. Fire officials also confirmed that the second floor of the complex partially gave way. Reports indicated that several people sustained injuries, and there were claims of an explosion shortly after the quake.
Following the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas around the Ariake Sea and the Yatsushiro Sea before later lifting it. Authorities, however, warned residents to remain alert for additional strong aftershocks in the coming days.
Operations at Kumamoto Airport were temporarily suspended, with all flights halted as safety inspections were carried out.
Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority said inspections at nearby nuclear facilities found no abnormalities.
The earthquake also left several thousand households without electricity, according to NHK.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents in areas that experienced strong shaking to remain cautious, warning of possible aftershocks, landslides and coastal hazards.
Emergency officials advised people to stay away from the shoreline until conditions were confirmed safe and to follow instructions issued by local authorities.
