7.1 Earthquake Hits Kumamoto, Japan
A strong earthquake hit Japan's Kumamoto region today. The quake had a magnitude of 7.1.
It struck at around 4:27 p.m. The earthquake's depth was 10 kilometers.
Uki City recorded the highest possible shaking level. The quake caused fires and injuries.
Reports say at least 50 people were hurt. Several houses collapsed with people trapped inside.
People were also trapped inside a shopping mall. About 200 people were evacuated to a parking lot there.
Leaders issued a tsunami warning for two nearby bays. That warning was later lifted.
Roads and power lines were also damaged. Kumamoto Castle's stone walls partly collapsed.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed injuries from the quake. She warned people to watch for more aftershocks. She noted the region was hit by a major earthquake in 2016.
Key Terms 4
- Kumamoto A region in Japan hit by the earthquake
- Magnitude A number showing how strong an earthquake is
- Seismic intensity A scale measuring how hard the ground shakes
- Tsunami advisory A warning that ocean waves could flood coastal areas