Kumamoto, Japan. A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday, injuring at least 50 people, disrupting power supplies and damaging roads, bridges and buildings.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said authorities were still assessing the full extent of casualties and damage, while more than 150,000 people were instructed to go to evacuation centres.
Damage and disruption
Speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Takaichi said officials had received reports of injuries, power outages and fires in some areas.
“There has also been damage to roads and bridges and the collapse of buildings,” she said.
NHK reported that one hospital had received more than 50 injured people. Nikkei said several passengers aboard a high-speed train at the time of the earthquake were also injured.
Multiple buildings were damaged, including an Aeon 8267.T shopping mall, where NHK reported an explosion. Footage aired by the broadcaster showed other buildings on fire or partially collapsed. An Aeon spokesperson did not immediately comment.
Transport and business impact
Large cracks appeared on major roads, including an elevated highway, while a goods train derailed, according to NHK. Rail services were halted and flights were grounded.
TSMC 2330.TW evacuated workers from its plant in the area as a precaution, a company spokesperson said.
Nikkei reported that Sony 6758.T and Fujifilm 4901.T also evacuated staff from plants in the area. A Sony spokesperson said earlier that the company was checking the situation.
Further quake warning
An official from the Japan Meteorological Agency said residents in areas that experienced the strongest tremors should remain alert for further strong earthquakes for about a week.
The official also warned of a risk of landslides.
