Japan issued a tsunami alert after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit the country's southwest on Tuesday, knocking out power to thousands of households. The tremor, which occurred at 4:27 pm (0727 GMT) on the island of Kyushu, measured at the highest possible level seven on Japan's own Shindo scale of shaking, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The agency warned that the tsunami could measure up to one meter (three feet). No immediate abnormalities were recorded at nuclear power plants. About 45,000 households and facilities in the Kumamoto region lost power.
FAQs
- **What caused the tsunami alert?** A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the southwest region of Japan, prompting the tsunami alert. - **How strong was the earthquake?** The earthquake measured 7.1 on the Richter scale and level seven on Japan's Shindo scale. - **Are there any reports of damage?** Power was knocked out to about 45,000 households and facilities in the Kumamoto region. - **Was there any impact on nuclear power plants?** No immediate abnormalities were recorded at nuclear power plants following the earthquake.
