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6.8-magnitude earthquake hits southern Japan
Jessica Huras
Jessica Huras is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience creating travel and food content. In addition to writing for PAX, she’s a content editor for LCBO Food & Drink magazine and her work has also appeared in the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, Toronto Life, Chatelaine and Elle Canada.
A powerful earthquake struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday (July 28), injuring at least 50 people and causing widespread transportation and power disruptions.
The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.8, with its epicentre located about 20 kilometres south of Kumamoto, the largest city on the island of Kyushu.
Roads and bridges were damaged, buildings partially collapsed and fires broke out following the quake.
About 40,000 homes lost power, according to Kyushu Electric Power.
According to CBC, one hospital reported treating more than 50 injured people.
Several passengers aboard a high-speed train were also reportedly hurt.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for a wave measuring up to one metre, but the warning was lifted within two hours.
Flights and trains disrupted
JR Kyushu suspended rail service across the region, including its high-speed bullet trains.
Kumamoto Airport also closed its runway, prompting airlines to cancel or divert flights.
Mobile service was disrupted in some areas because of power outages and transmission-line failures, telecom companies KDDI and Docomo said.
Japan’s nuclear regulator said no irregularities had been detected at nuclear power stations in the region.
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