A powerful earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu.
According to reports, the earthquake struck at approximately 4:27 p.m. local time on Tuesday, and registered the maximum level of seven on Japan's Shindo intensity scale, which measures the intensity of ground shaking.
The U.S. Geological Survey initially said the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, but revised it later to 6.8., AP News reports.
According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, at least 12 homes collapsed, trapping some occupants, while rescue crews responded to damage at a shopping mall in Kumamoto. Earlier reports indicated an explosion at the Aeon Mall, although there was no immediate confirmation of casualties linked to the incident.
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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said emergency officials were continuing to assess the full impact of the disaster. She told reporters there are damages to roads, bridges and buildings, as well as blackouts and fire. While multiple reports indicate a train was derailed and fell on its side at the Yatsushiro station, and stone walls were damaged at the Kumamoto castle.
Aftershocks expected as tsunami threat lifted
The earthquake initially prompted tsunami advisories, but Japanese authorities later confirmed there was no ongoing threat to coastal communities.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that strong aftershocks remain possible because the earthquake originated at a relatively shallow depth of about 10 kilometres, the BBC reported.
Residents and travellers have been urged to remain alert and follow evacuation guidance issued by local authorities.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said emergency responders, including Japan's Self-Defense Forces, firefighters and the coast guard, had been deployed to affected communities.
Canadian advisory updated
The Government of Canada updated its travel advice for Japan on July 28 at 04:32 ET, adding a tsunami warning to the Natural disasters and climate section following the earthquake.
Canadian officials said a tsunami threat remains in effect for Kyushu and advised anyone in or near affected coastal areas to move away from the shoreline, follow instructions from local authorities, and monitor local news for updates on the tsunami threat and evacuation information.
The advisory also directs travellers to monitor information from the U.S. Tsunami Warning System as the situation evolves.
Rail services across parts of the region have been suspended while infrastructure inspections are carried out, and Aso Kumamoto Airport has temporarily closed. Airlines and airport authorities are advising passengers to check the status of their flights before travelling to the airport.
Authorities are advising residents and visitors to stay away from damaged buildings, follow evacuation instructions if issued, and monitor official updates.
Region has experienced major earthquakes before
Kumamoto is no stranger to devastating seismic events. In 2016, two powerful earthquakes struck the prefecture within days of each other, killing 278 people and causing widespread destruction.
Earlier this year, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sanriku in Iwate Prefecture resulted tsunami activity along the country’s northern Pacific coast.
Japan lies along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," one of the world's most active seismic zones, and experiences approximately 1,500 earthquakes each year, according to the BBC.
Authorities continued rescue operations Tuesday evening as damage assessments remained underway and residents were warned to prepare for possible aftershocks.
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This report includes information from AP, Reuters and the BBC.
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