In Japan, a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck southern Kumamoto Prefecture, knocking out power to thousands of homes, rupturing roads, and injuring at least 50 people. Several people were reportedly trapped inside a partially collapsed shopping mall. Japan’s disaster management agency said around 3 lakh residents have been advised to evacuate to designated shelters. Several buildings caught fire or partially collapsed, while large cracks appeared on roads, including an elevated highway.
Transport services were severely disrupted, with flights grounded. The Kyushu Railway Company said all train services, including the Kyushu Shinkansen, have been halted following the earthquake.
Authorities have also issued a tsunami advisory for the coasts of the Ariake Sea and the Yatsushiro Sea but was lifted within two hours. Meanwhile, the operators of the Genkai Nuclear Power Station in Saga Prefecture and the Sendai Nuclear Power Station in Kagoshima Prefecture said they are conducting inspections to determine whether either facility has sustained any abnormalities.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government has set up a task force to gather information, assess possible damage and prepare for rescue operations if needed.
