An intense earthquake, measuring a significant 7.1 on the Richter scale, rocked the Kumamoto prefecture in southern Japan. This seismic event disrupted power for thousands, halted train services, and prompted authorities to issue warnings for potential tsunamis and aftershocks.
The area impacted by the tremor is home to facilities for major companies like Sony and TSMC, the leading global contract chip manufacturer.
A representative from Sony stated that the company is currently assessing the situation to determine any potential damage or disruption.
Meanwhile, TSMC has yet to provide a comment or update in response to inquiries about the quake’s impact on its operations.
The Japanese government has swiftly issued emergency earthquake alerts for several prefectures, including Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, and Miyazaki, all located on Kyushu island in southern Japan.
A tsunami warning for a wave measuring one metre was briefly issued after the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, with a tremor occurring at least every five minutes.
Located along the “Ring of Fire” of volcanoes and oceanic trenches partly encircling th Pacific Basin, Japan accounts for about 20 per cent of the world’s earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or more.
A massive earthquake in Kumamoto 10 years ago killed 275 people and injured a further 2739, according to an official count.
Kyushu Electric Power said about 40,000 homes had lost power as a result of the quake, while railway company JR Kyushu said it had suspended services, including its high-speed bullet trains.
No irregularities were reported at the nuclear power stations in the area, Japan’s nuclear regulation authority said.