NEW DELHI: A major earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck off the coast of Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan's southern main island of Kyushu at around 4:27 PM local time.

The tremor triggered emergency warnings, localized tsunami advisories, widespread power outages, and train suspensions across the region.

Measured 7.1 on Japan’s Shindo seismic scale (the highest level of ground shaking) in parts of Kumamoto. The epicenter located off the coast of Kumamoto at a shallow depth of roughly 10 km beneath the seabed. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued advisories for waves up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) along the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas.

Around 40,000 households lost power. Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) suspended Shinkansen bullet train operations and local services for safety checks. Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed no abnormalities at nearby nuclear facilities.

Local authorities report several structural collapses, minor fires, and cracked roads across Kumamoto. Social media videos and local news reports showed brief landslides and stone walls falling at the historic Kumamoto Castle.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that an emergency response task force has been set up to coordinate rescue operations and gather real-time data. "We are putting people's lives as the top priority. Please avoid coastal areas and stay alert for potential strong aftershocks," said Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan.

The Ministry of Defense has deployed reconnaissance aircraft to survey the damage across Kyushu. Major tech manufacturers operating in the area, including Sony and TSMC, are currently assessing their semiconductor facilities for potential operational impact.

Residents in Kumamoto and neighboring prefectures are advised to follow official evacuation guidelines and prepare for expected aftershocks over the coming days.