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7.1-magnitude quake strikes Kyushu at 16:27; shallow 10km depth triggers evacuations and emergency response across the region.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck inland on Kyushu island at 16:27 local time, with a shallow epicentre 10km below the surface, the meteorological agency said, and authorities issued a brief tsunami advisory that was lifted within the hour.
More than 150,000 people were asked to move to evacuation shelters after the quake, which damaged roads and bridges and caused several buildings to catch fire, footage from NHK showed. The agency warned of strong aftershocks due to the shallow depth.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said officials were still assessing injuries and property damage but had been informed of several injuries. NHK reported about 10 injured people in an elderly care home and at least 50 people receiving hospital treatment.
Train services were suspended and electricity was cut for thousands of homes. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said first responders, including the self-defence force, fire services and coast guard, had been deployed and urged residents in hard-hit areas to follow evacuation information issued by local authorities via radio, television and the internet.
The meteorological agency confirmed the quake’s magnitude as 7.1 and its depth as 10km. A tsunami advisory was issued and lifted within the hour. Authorities reported evacuations of more than 150,000 people and confirmed multiple injuries, with emergency services deployed.