Strong Earthquake of Magnitude 7.1 Hits Kumamoto, Japan! Meteorological Agency Warns of Possible Larger Earthquakes

On the 28th at around 4:27 PM, a strong earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. The maximum seismic intensity was 7, and the Meteorological Agency warned of the possibility of an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 7 within the next week. It is said that the risk is particularly high within 2-3 days after the earthquake, and the agency is calling on residents to be vigilant and prepare for disaster prevention.

The Meteorological Agency pointed out that since the epicenter is shallow, there is a possibility of a strong earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 7 within the next week. It is said that the risk is particularly high within 2-3 days after the earthquake, and the agency is calling on residents to be vigilant and prepare for disaster prevention.

The Meteorological Agency stated that the connection with the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake is unclear and plans to conduct further detailed evaluations. It was also announced that no abnormalities have been observed in the volcanic activity of Mount Aso.

This earthquake is the first to observe a seismic intensity of 7 since the Noto Peninsula earthquake on January 1, 2024. For Kumamoto Prefecture, it is the first time since the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake that a strong earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 7 has occurred.

Regarding the tsunami warning, the Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory at 6:10 PM because the observed height of the tsunami was lower than expected. On the other hand, the Meteorological Agency explained that the reason why the urgent earthquake report could not be issued in time was that the area near the epicenter started to shake violently before the report system could be issued.

The Meteorological Agency is calling on residents to take self-protection and evacuation measures without waiting for the warning if they feel strong shaking in the future.