Major Earthquake Hits Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture Sparking Tsunami Warnings

A powerful earthquake struck Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, trigging tsunami warnings in the area. The quake registered a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, approximately 6 miles. This information comes from the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The earthquake occurred at approximately 4:27 p.m. local time (3:27 a.m. ET), as confirmed by Japan’s Cabinet Office’s Disaster Management Division. Following the quake, a tsunami advisory was issued for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas. Residents in coastal areas received warnings to evacuate and avoid these areas until the advisory was lifted.

Currently, the full impact of the earthquake on the ground remains unclear. Reports indicate damage to Kumamoto Castle, a historical site and tourist attraction. Video footage circulated online shows damage to the outer walls, which are enveloped in a cloud of dust. The official account of the attraction on social media reported the temporary closure of operations for the remainder of the day due to earthquake effects.

This seismic event comes just over ten years after Kumamoto Castle sustained damage from the devastating 2016 earthquakes in the region.

Live video streams captured buildings shaking across Kumamoto City, highlighting the earthquake’s intensity. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has stated no tsunami warning, advisory, or threat exists for Hawaii or American Samoa.

This article will be updated with new information as it becomes available.