Devastating 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan: Tsunami Alert Issued for Kyushu Island

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 has struck the Kumamoto region in Japan, prompting the government to issue a tsunami alert for the entire Kyushu island. The seismic activity, which occurred on July 28, has led to the suspension of train operations, including bullet trains, by Japan Railway Kyushu. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake has triggered a tsunami warning with waves expected to reach up to 1m (3.28 feet) in the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas. The agency has warned residents to evacuate the coastal areas immediately and avoid entering the sea until the advisory is lifted. This earthquake comes nearly a decade after two separate tremors hit the city of Kumamoto in April 2016, resulting in 278 deaths and 2,800 injuries. The region is bracing for potential aftershocks, and evacuation orders have been issued for the affected areas.