A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto
Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan, triggering a brief tsunami warning
and forcing the evacuation of more than 150,000 people.
Between 40 and 50 people were injured, though no fatalities
have been confirmed so far.
The quake caused significant damage to infrastructure.
Elevated sections of the Kyushu Expressway near the Yatsushiro Interchange
shifted and expansion joints separated.
JR Kyushu rail services, including the Shinkansen bullet
train, were suspended, and Kumamoto Airport remains closed.
In addition, approximately 48,000 homes lost power, and part
of the stone walls of the historic Kumamoto Castle collapsed.
Authorities are continuing damage assessment and providing
assistance to those affected.