Strong Quake Hits Southern Japan
A preliminary magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck late Tuesday afternoon. The tremor shook Kumamoto on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the event. It occurred at 4:29 p.m. local time. The epicenter sat 10 kilometers, or about 6 miles, below the sea surface.
Authorities quickly issued a tsunami advisory. The quake hit the western part of Kumamoto. That area lies roughly 900 kilometers, or 540 miles, southwest of Tokyo.
No damage or injuries appeared in early reports. Meanwhile, the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center assessed the situation. It found no tsunami risk beyond the local coasts.
Officials continue to monitor the region for aftershocks and any further developments.