On Tuesday, a powerful earthquake struck southern Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency recorded a magnitude of 7.1, while the U.S. Geological Survey reported it as 6.8. The earthquake centered near Kumamoto, around 600 miles south of Tokyo.

A tsunami alert was issued, predicting waves about one yard high. However, there were no immediate reports of damage, casualties, or issues at nuclear plants. Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed the situation was stable.

The quake reached the highest level of seven on Japan’s Shindo scale, indicating very strong shaking. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu confirmed no tsunami threat to Hawaii or American Samoa.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi advised residents to avoid coastlines due to potential tsunami risks. The government set up a task force to evaluate damage and prepare for rescue operations if needed. She stressed that protecting lives is the top priority and warned of possible strong aftershocks.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported no immediate damage to major public facilities or infrastructure. Assessments are ongoing. Shinkansen bullet trains and local trains in Kyushu were temporarily halted for safety checks, a standard procedure after an earthquake.