A strong earthquake has hit southern Japan today. The magnitude 7.1 quake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday afternoon. It happened at a shallow depth of about ten kilometers. The shaking was felt across the whole Kyushu region. Authorities quickly issued a tsunami warning for nearby coastal areas.
The earthquake caused serious damage in several cities. Buildings collapsed near the center of the quake. Fires broke out in the city of Uki. Thousands of homes lost power after the earthquake hit. Rail services also stopped across the region.
Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries on Earth. About twenty percent of strong earthquakes worldwide happen there. Because of this, Japan has strict building rules. Engineers design buildings that can withstand powerful shaking. Many structures use special rubber pads to absorb the shock.
The government has prepared well for disasters like this. Emergency teams quickly began to assess the damage and help people. Officials urged residents to stay away from the coastline. If people follow safety instructions, they will stay safer. Japan's preparation might save many lives during this event.
