Power supply disrupted to more than 48,000 homes as authorities assess damage; train services suspended for safety checks

A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's southwestern Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, injuring more than 40 people, damaging infrastructure and disrupting electricity to over 48,300 households. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) also issued a tsunami advisory following the strong tremor before authorities began monitoring coastal areas.

According to the JMA, the earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres near the coastal city of Uto in Kumamoto Prefecture. The quake was recorded at the highest Level 7 on Japan's Shindo intensity scale, indicating extremely strong ground shaking capable of causing significant structural damage.

Homes lose power, roads and buildings damaged

Authorities said the earthquake caused extensive damage in several parts of Kumamoto, with roads developing large cracks and sections of walls collapsing. Parts of the historic Kumamoto Castle's stone walls were also damaged by the powerful tremors.

Power utility Kyushu Electric Power reported that electricity supply was interrupted to more than 48,300 homes, adding that restoration work had begun immediately.

Emergency teams were deployed across the affected region as officials continued assessing the full extent of the damage.

Tsunami advisory and aftershock warning

Following the earthquake, the JMA warned that tsunami waves of up to one metre could reach parts of Japan's southwestern coastline.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to stay away from coastal areas and remain alert for possible aftershocks. She said the government had established an emergency task force to monitor the situation, coordinate rescue efforts and collect information from affected districts.

Authorities have also cautioned people against returning to damaged buildings until safety inspections are completed.

Transport services temporarily suspended

As a precautionary measure, Shinkansen bullet train services and several local railway operations across Kyushu were temporarily suspended to allow engineers to inspect tracks and related infrastructure.

The Japanese Defence Ministry deployed aircraft to conduct aerial surveys of the affected region and assist local authorities in assessing the impact of the earthquake.

Meanwhile, Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that inspections at three nearby nuclear power plants found no abnormalities, easing concerns over any nuclear-related emergency.

Japan's high earthquake risk

Japan remains one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where four major tectonic plates converge.

The country has one of the world's most advanced earthquake preparedness systems, developed after devastating disasters such as the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, which triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster and claimed more than 15,000 lives.

Officials have advised residents in Kumamoto and neighbouring areas to remain vigilant as strong aftershocks remain possible over the coming days.