Strong 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan... Mild Tremors Felt in South Korea

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, occurred near Uki, Kumamoto Prefecture, in western Kyushu at around 4:27 p.m. today (the 28th).

The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre measured the magnitude at 6.8, while the U.S. Geological Survey initially reported a magnitude of 7.1, matching the Japan Meteorological Agency, but later lowered it to 6.8.

Due to the earthquake, about 760 reports of tremors were received in South Korea, mainly centered around southern regions such as Busan, but no damage has been reported yet.

According to NHK and Kyodo News, the epicenter was located in the Kumamoto region of Kumamoto Prefecture, and the focal depth was estimated to be 10 kilometers.

The earthquake produced a seismic intensity of 7 in areas such as Kumamoto City, and buildings in Tokyo were also reported to be swaying intermittently.

Unlike magnitude, which represents the absolute energy released by an earthquake, seismic intensity is a relative concept expressed as a numerical value indicating how strongly people feel the shaking and how surrounding objects move at a specific location.

An intensity of 7 is the highest level, meaning that most unfixed furniture can topple over.

Shaking of intensity 6-strong, just below intensity 7, was observed in areas such as Minami Ward in Kumamoto City and Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and small and large aftershocks are continuing mainly around Kumamoto Prefecture.

NHK has been repeatedly broadcasting advice to protect heads and take cover under furniture to prevent earthquake damage from the strong quake and aftershocks.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory, warning that tsunamis up to 1 meter high could occur along coasts in Kumamoto Prefecture, including the Ariake Sea.

NHK urged residents to immediately move away from coastal areas until the tsunami advisory is lifted.

Taiwan's TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker with a factory in Kikuyo, Kumamoto Prefecture, stated that it is currently checking the situation at its local plant following the strong earthquake.

The company added that employees at the Kumamoto plant evacuated outdoors due to the earthquake.

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency announced that no abnormalities were found at three nuclear power plants located in Kyushu and Shikoku in connection with the strong quake.

JR Kyushu stated that it has suspended the operation of Shinkansen bullet trains and regular railways within its jurisdiction due to the earthquake.

Japanese airline ANA also suspended its flight operations.

The Japanese government is checking for casualties and has established an earthquake response office at the Prime Minister's Office Crisis Management Center.
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.