A major earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday, derailing a train, injuring dozens, and triggering a regional tsunami warning. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 and a depth of just over 6 miles, placing it at the highest end of the seismic intensity scale.
Damage and Aftermath
Several buildings were damaged in the quake, with at least 12 houses collapsing and at least 50 people injured. Aerial footage showed a derailed cargo train, collapsed smoke towers at an industrial plant, and a small building on fire. The ceiling of a large commercial facility and mall in Kumamoto prefecture also collapsed entirely.
Train services around the Kyushu island were suspended, according to rail operator JR Kyushu. The National Weather Service stated there was no tsunami warning, advisory, watch, or threat in place for Hawaii or American Samoa.
Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, with nearly 20% of global earthquakes measuring 6.0 or higher occurring in the country. Since 2011, Japan has significantly strengthened its earthquake warning systems and evacuation protocols following a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that triggered meltdowns at three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
