A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of Kumamoto prefecture in southern Japan. The tremors occurred at 4:27 p.m. local time.
The Japan Meteorological Agency announced that the epicenter was in the Uki and Hikawa areas of Kumamoto, and that the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers.
National broadcaster NHK announced that no casualties or injuries had been reported following the earthquake. The tremors were also strongly felt in the Yatsushiro, Uto, and Mashiki areas.
Authorities warned that a tsunami could occur in the Yatsushiro Sea, which borders Kumamoto, following the earthquake.