A tsunami warning has been issued following a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday. The quake has left thousands of households in the region without electricity.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the earthquake hit Kyushu Island at 4:27 PM local time. Its intensity reached a maximum of 7 on Japan’s own Shindo seismic intensity scale. News agency AFP reported this from Tokyo.
The agency stated that tsunami waves could reach a height of up to one meter.
State broadcaster NHK reported that waves of this height might have already struck.
Japan’s nuclear regulatory authority stated that no immediate irregularities were detected at any nuclear power plants.
Local utility provider Kyushu Electric Power reported that approximately 45,000 households and facilities in the Kumamoto region are without power.
The company further stated that three nuclear reactors operating in the region at the time of the earthquake are functioning normally.
About half an hour after the quake, an NHK reporter wearing a helmet stated during a live broadcast that tremors were still ongoing. The newsroom was shaking so violently that it was difficult to remain standing.
He said, “The shaking is continuing even as I speak. Many people, like me, are likely experiencing a pounding heart.”
He added, “The shaking was so intense when the earthquake struck that I could not stand. Please remain alert, as further tremors may occur.”
