**Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Strikes Japan, Several Injured**
A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto City in south-west Japan on Tuesday, causing injuries to numerous individuals and prompting a brief tsunami advisory that was lifted within an hour of the quake. The earthquake occurred at 16:27 local time (07:27 GMT) and was centered inland on Kyushu Island, at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers.
In the aftermath of the quake, authorities have urged over 150,000 residents to evacuate to designated shelters as a precautionary measure. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that the government is currently assessing the extent of injuries and property damage. Reports indicate that several individuals have sustained injuries, with around 10 of them being residents of an elderly care home. Additionally, at least 50 people have been reported to be receiving treatment in hospitals.
Footage broadcasted by the national broadcaster NHK has shown significant damage, including cracked roads and bridges, as well as several buildings ablaze. The Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara has stated that first responders, including Japan's Self-Defense Forces, fire services, and the coast guard, have been deployed to assist in the emergency response.
Kihara emphasized the importance of residents in areas that experienced severe shaking to stay informed about evacuation instructions issued by local authorities through various media channels, including radio, television, and the internet. He urged the public to remain calm during this challenging time.
Japan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, with approximately 1,500 earthquakes occurring annually. The nation has a history of significant seismic events, including a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in north-east Japan last December, which resulted in 30 injuries. The catastrophic magnitude 9 earthquake in March 2011, which triggered a devastating tsunami, claimed the lives of approximately 18,000 people.
As the situation develops, authorities are continuing to monitor for aftershocks and provide updates to the public.