Powerful earthquake hits Japan; 7.1 magnitude on Richter scale

 

 

A powerful earthquake has struck Japan. The tremor was felt with a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter scale. A tsunami warning has also been issued. The earthquake occurred in Kumamoto prefecture on the island of Kyushu. People have been advised to stay away from coastal areas.

Waves up to 3.28 feet high are forecast. Authorities have also advised local residents to move to higher ground. The epicenter of the earthquake was at a depth of 10 kilometers under the seabed, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. No casualties were reported.