A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck south-west Japan, leaving several people injured and prompting a brief tsunami advisory that was lifted within the hour.
More that 150,000 people have been asked to move to evacuation shelters following the quake, which hit inland in Kyushu island at 16:27 local time (07:27 GMT).
The meteorological agency has warned of strong aftershocks given the shallow epicentre – 10km. Footage aired by national broadcaster NHK already shows cracked roads and bridges and several buildings on fire.
Japan, which sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. It experiences about 1,500 quakes a year.
“We are still assessing the extent of injuries and property damage, but I have been informed that there have already been several injuries,” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Tuesday.
About 10 of the injured were in an elderly care home and at least 50 people are being treated in hospital, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK.
Train services have been suspended and electricity has been cut off for thousands of homes.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said first responders have been deployed, including Japan’s self-defence force, fire services and coast guard.
“We urge residents in areas where the shaking was particularly severe to pay close attention to evacuation information issued by local authorities via radio, television and the internet, and to act calmly,” he said.
A magnitude 7.5 earthquake in north-east Japan last December left 30 people wounded.
In March 2011, a magnitude 9 earthquake struck the country’s east, triggering a massive tsunami that killed 18,000 people.
Additional reporting by Chie Kobayashi in Tokyo
