Magnitude 7.1 earthquake strikes southern Japan.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southern Japan early Tuesday morning (28), according to Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)The epicenter was located on land, near the cities of Kumamoto and Uki on the island of Kyushu. The tremor occurred at a depth of only 10 kilometers, a characteristic that intensifies its effects on the surface. After the main shock, at least four aftershocks were recorded, with magnitudes between 4.4 and 5.6. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reported that the earthquake caused injuries and structural damage, including the collapse of some buildings. To date, the government has not released the official number of victims. Shortly after the tremor, the JMA issued a tsunami warning for waves up to 1 meter high. However, the warning was canceled about two hours later by meteorological authorities in Japan and the United States, after the risk decreased. According to the Prime Minister, the municipalities of Uki and Hikawa recorded a maximum intensity of 7 on the Japanese seismic scale, the highest level of the system used in the country to measure the intensity of tremors. Authorities also warned of the possibility of further large-magnitude earthquakes in the next three days, due to the intensity of the main event and the shallow depth of the epicenter.

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.