Japan Kumamoto earthquake: What happened, damage, victims, latest updates | Earthquakes News
Powerful Earthquake Hits Kumamoto, Japan, Causing Significant Damage
KUMAMOTO, Japan (AP) — A powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture on the southwestern island of Kyushu on Tuesday afternoon, leading to widespread destruction, building collapses, and fires. The quake, initially reported as magnitude 7.1, was later downgraded to 6.8 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). It occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time (07:30 GMT).
A tsunami advisory was issued shortly after the earthquake, but it was later lifted without incident. Emergency crews have been deployed to conduct rescue operations and evaluate the extent of the damage sustained by buildings and infrastructure.
Many structures collapsed in Kumamoto City, which serves as the prefectural capital, creating hazardous conditions. Reports indicate that fires broke out in various areas, power outages affected thousands of residents, and roads suffered significant damage. In a related event, a magnitude 4.1 aftershock was recorded just after midnight on Wednesday, as reported by NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster.
According to the USGS, the epicenter of the earthquake was located near the coastal city of Uto, approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Kumamoto City. As of 2019, Kumamoto City had an estimated population of 700,000 and is situated about 90 kilometers (55 miles) east of Nagasaki.
Emergency officials confirmed that no abnormalities were detected at the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant, located in the neighboring Kagoshima prefecture, south of Kumamoto.
Infrastructure Damage
The earthquake’s intensity was felt as far away as South Korea, causing severe infrastructure damage in Kumamoto. Footage from NHK showed significant cracks in the Kyushu Expressway and a portion of the wall surrounding Kumamoto Castle had collapsed.
Damage assessments are ongoing, focusing on buildings, bridges, and various forms of public infrastructure.
At the Aeon shopping mall in Kumamoto City, part of the second floor caved in, followed by a powerful explosion about an hour later, resulting in deep structural damage. Initial reports indicated that 20 to 30 employees were unaccounted for, and witnesses noted a gas smell in the area. The mall had just reopened in June after extensive renovations following a devastating earthquake in 2016.
Casualties and Displacement
Officials reported at least one confirmed death, with a victim found in the debris of a collapsed residence. Additionally, over 50 individuals were hospitalized with injuries, and local hospitals reported that at least 10 of the injured are in serious condition. Approximately 300,000 residents have been advised to evacuate to designated centers.
Aftershocks and Preparedness
The Japan Meteorological Agency noted more than 60 aftershocks, complicating ongoing rescue efforts and prompting officials to caution residents about potential further tremors as they began their day on Wednesday.
Japan’s geographical position on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it particularly vulnerable to seismic activity, with thousands of earthquakes occurring annually as tectonic plates shift. Although strict building codes and regular earthquake drills have mitigated casualties, formidable quakes still pose risks to life and property.
