TOKYO, June 28. /Dunyo IA/. A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island in southern Japan today, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to “Kyodo News”, a tsunami warning was issued in the area following the earthquake and residents were advised to take precautionary measures.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicentre of the earthquake was located in Kumamoto Prefecture at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. Following the earthquake, aftershocks with an intensity of up to 5 on the Japanese seismic scale were recorded in the area.

According to reports, more than 48,000 households in Kumamoto Prefecture were left without power following the earthquake. The electricity company urged residents not to approach downed power lines and to report any detected damage.

Following the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued for the coastal areas of the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas. Authorities warned that waves of up to approximately 1 meter could reach the coast and urged residents to stay away from coastal areas.

In response to the emergency, earthquake-related precautionary measures were strengthened in the prefectures of Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita and Miyazaki. All of these areas are located on Kyushu Island.

Several people were reported injured as a result of the earthquake. Multiple fires were recorded in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and the number of emergency calls increased sharply. “NHK” television broadcasts showed that some buildings in areas close to the earthquake’s epicentre had sustained damage.

Natural disaster also caused temporary disruptions to the transport system. Railway operator “JR Kyushu” temporarily suspended train services to conduct safety inspections.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to remain prepared for possible further strong tremors. The government has begun assessing the impact of the earthquake and providing assistance to affected areas.