A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Kyushu island in southern Japan on Tuesday, causing injuries, power outages, and structural damage.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi confirmed that injuries occurred across affected areas.
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Authorities issued a brief tsunami warning for Ariake Bay on the western side of Kyushu, which was later lifted as initial risks subsided.
Regional transportation faced major disruptions.
Local train services were halted across the region, and flights to and from the affected area were canceled.
Officials warned residents to remain alert for strong aftershocks.
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The Japan Atomic Energy Agency monitored nuclear installations near the epicenter. The agency confirmed no damage at the three nuclear power plants in the vicinity.
Japan experiences frequent seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
In 2016, Kumamoto on Kyushu was hit by consecutive earthquakes of magnitude 5.3 and 7.3, resulting in over 50 deaths, 1,800 injuries, and thousands of destroyed homes.
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The region also suffered a major catastrophe in 2011 when a massive quake triggered a devastating tsunami in northeastern Japan, severely damaging the Fukushima nuclear plant and leaving over 18,000 dead and more than 2,500 missing.
