Magnitude 7 earthquake strikes Kumamoto, Japan; Chief Cabinet Secretary holds press conference

A powerful magnitude 7 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, prompting Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara to hold an emergency press conference. The tremor caused significant disruption, with reports of building damage and numerous injuries. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the quake registered a seismic intensity of 7 in the towns of Kashima and Kosa, with intensity levels difficult to ascertain in those areas.

Following the earthquake, a tsunami advisory was issued for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas. However, this advisory was lifted at 6:10 PM JST. The quake also led to the suspension of all train services on JR Kyushu lines across Kyushu.

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The tsunami advisory issued due to the earthquake has been lifted.

Nuclear facilities, including the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant, were reportedly unaffected, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara. He stated that information regarding human and material damage was still being confirmed. The government is prioritizing rescue and relief efforts in the affected areas.

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Human and material damage is currently being confirmed.