A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday, sending residents scrambling for safety and prompting a temporary tsunami advisory along parts of the coast. The quake, centered near Kumamoto Prefecture, was initially reported as a magnitude 7.1 before being revised to 6.8 by the U.S. Geological Survey.
The shallow earthquake caused widespread power outages, damaged roads and buildings, and disrupted rail service and flights across the region. Rescue crews responded to multiple structural collapses, including a partially collapsed shopping mall where several people were reported trapped. Authorities also responded to damage at an industrial facility, while hospitals treated dozens of people for injuries.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency briefly issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas before lifting it after no major waves were observed. Officials warned residents to remain alert, however, as strong aftershocks are expected in the coming days. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government has mobilized emergency response teams to assist with rescue efforts and assess the full extent of the damage.