Kumamoto hit by 7.1 quake; ground shifts up to 84cm

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on April 28, registering a maximum seismic intensity of 7, the highest level on Japan's scale. The Japan Meteorological Agency has officially named this event the "Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake."

Since the main tremor, the region has experienced a high volume of seismic activity, with the Japan Meteorological Agency recording 163 earthquakes of intensity 1 or higher as of the morning of April 29. This includes three earthquakes of intensity 5-weak, ten of intensity 4, and 32 of intensity 3.

Geological Survey of Japan measurements revealed significant ground deformation, with the largest displacement observed at approximately 84 centimeters northeastward at the "Sendo" benchmark point in Yatsushiro City. Other areas also experienced notable shifts, including Kumamoto City's "Jonan" area moving about 40 centimeters northward and Yatsushiro City's "Izumi" moving 17 centimeters southward. The agency noted that these figures might be adjusted after further analysis.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, warning that earthquakes with an intensity of up to 7 could occur over the next week, with a higher probability of larger quakes in the coming two to three days. The wide range of seismic activity raises concerns about potential landslides, as evidenced by aerial footage showing large amounts of soil and rock debris covering roads in mountainous areas of Yatsushiro. Damage to the Kyushu Expressway, including significant uplift, twisting, and cracks, has also been reported.