A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan, injuring at least 50 people and causing widespread damage. The quake disrupted electricity, transport and telecommunications, with about 40,000 homes losing power, train services suspended, flights cancelled, and more than 150,000 residents ordered to evacuate.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said authorities were assessing the full extent of the damage. Several buildings were damaged, roads and bridges cracked, a freight train derailed, and fires were reported. Major companies, including TSMC, Sony and Fujifilm, evacuated workers from factories in the affected area as a precaution.
The Japan Meteorological Agency initially issued a tsunami warning, which was later lifted, and warned residents to remain alert for strong aftershocks and landslides over the coming week. Authorities said no problems had been detected at nuclear power plants in the affected region.
