7.1 magnitude earthquake has hit Japan

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake has struck south-western Japan, cutting off electricity supplies to tens of thousands of homes and triggering tsunami alerts along coastal areas.

The heavy tremor struck at 16:27 local time on the southern island of Kyushu. Officials at the Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that ground shaking reached level seven, which is the highest mark on the country's seismic intensity scale.

Coastal areas were placed on alert for potential tsunami waves reaching up to one metre. National broadcaster NHK reported that small sea surges of that height may have already hit parts of the shoreline.

For energy markets and local utility companies, the primary focus remains on infrastructure resilience. Regional provider Kyushu Electric Power confirmed that around 45,000 households and commercial buildings lost power in the Kumamoto area shortly after the tremor.

Despite the widespread blackouts, regional energy infrastructure appears to have avoided severe damage. The Nuclear Regulation Authority stated that no operational problems or safety issues were detected at nearby nuclear facilities. Kyushu Electric Power added that three nuclear reactors running in the area continue to operate normally.

Live broadcasts captured the strength of the shaking inside local newsrooms. An NHK presenter wearing safety gear described the studio's violent vibration during a live report, warning viewers that tremors were ongoing and that standing up was nearly impossible during the main peak.

Transport networks across Kyushu experienced immediate disruptions, with high-speed bullet trains temporarily halted to allow technicians to run safety inspections on the tracks.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted an emergency notice advising citizens to stay clear of coastal areas until safety advisories are lifted. The prime minister added that a central emergency task force has been set up to track local developments and direct rescue operations if needed.

Japan sits on the geological edge of four major tectonic plates within the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the most seismically active regions on Earth. The country records hundreds of tremors every year, accounting for nearly a fifth of all global quakes.

Kumamoto remains vulnerable due to its geological history. Two major quakes struck the same region in 2016, leading to 273 fatalities and thousands of injuries. Earlier this year, a 7.7 magnitude quake hit northern Japan, triggering temporary high-alert seismic warnings.

Engineers are continuing work across Kyushu to restore power grid connectivity and ensure that municipal energy networks remain stable.