Strong Seismic Tremors in Southern Japan Leave Dozens Injured and Thousands Without Power, People Trapped Inside a Shopping Center

The island of Kyushu in southern Japan was struck by a strong 6.8 magnitude earthquake, causing at least 50 injuries and damage to various structures such as buildings, roads, and bridges.

The tremors were felt during the afternoon hours local time, and subsequently, authorities instructed over 150,000 residents to move to evacuation centers.

Initially, the Japan Meteorological Agency activated a tsunami warning for the Ariake Bay area, near the coast of Kumamoto, but canceled it a short time later. The population was warned to stay away from the coast, as a wave up to one meter high was expected.

The country’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, announced that the earthquake’s aftermath includes infrastructure damage, power supply disruptions, and the outbreak of several fires.

Around 40,000 homes have been left without electricity, according to official data. In the city of Kumamoto, several citizens have been trapped inside a shopping center due to the damage caused by the tremors.

Authorities are still assessing the exact number of victims and the full extent of the damage. The initial release of information had recorded the tremor with a magnitude of 7.1, but the United States Geological Survey later revised it to 6.8.