Kumamoto Earthquake: Intensity 7 and Tsunami Advisory

At around 4:27 p.m. today, an earthquake originating in the Kumamoto region of Kumamoto Prefecture occurred, and strong shaking with a maximum seismic intensity of 7 was observed in Hikawa Town, Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

A tsunami advisory was issued following the earthquake, and a tsunami of approximately 1 meter is expected.

People in the sea are urged to get out immediately and stay away from the coast. Particularly in areas that experienced strong shaking, people should check evacuation information from local governments through radio, television, the internet, and other sources, and remain calm while taking action.

No abnormalities have been reported so far at nuclear facilities, including the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant. Meanwhile, human and property damage is still being assessed, and the situation will be updated as needed.

At 4:29 p.m., the Prime Minister instructed officials to promptly assess the damage, closely coordinate with local governments, implement emergency disaster measures including life-saving and rescue operations for victims with human life as the top priority, and provide the public with timely and accurate evacuation and damage information.

Immediately after the earthquake, the Japanese government established a Prime Minister’s Office response room at the Prime Minister’s Office Crisis Management Center and convened an emergency mobilization team consisting of director-general-level officials from relevant ministries.

The government plans to devote every effort to emergency disaster measures in coordination with local governments, prioritizing damage assessment and life-saving and rescue operations, led by the police, fire departments, Japan Self-Defense Forces, and Japan Coast Guard. The government says it will continue to provide updates as appropriate.