Japan on Tuesday issued a tsunami warning after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the southern part of the country, triggering strong tremors and power outages.
The earthquake was recorded at the highest possible level of seven on Japan’s Shindo seismic intensity scale, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The JMA said the earthquake struck at about 4:27 p.m. local time and warned that the resulting tsunami could reach heights of up to one metre.
There were no immediate reports of casualties following the earthquake. However, the tremor reportedly disrupted electricity supplies, leaving tens of thousands of households without power.
Local utility Kyushu Electric Power said about 45,000 households and facilities in the Kumamoto region were without electricity.
The company, however, said three nuclear reactors operating in the region at the time of the earthquake continued to function normally.
About 30 minutes after the earthquake, an NHK staff member wearing a helmet reported live on air that the shaking was still continuing.
He said the newsroom had shaken so violently during the earthquake that it was difficult to remain standing.
“Shaking is continuing as I speak. Including myself, there may be some people who feel their hearts racing,” he said.
“When the quake struck, the shaking was so big that I could not stand up. Please be aware of the possibility that shaking might continue after this.”
