While you may think quakes are a western US problem, some of the largest temblors in US history have happened in the East.
KUMAMOTO, Japan — A series of earthquakes rocked Kyushu, Japan‘s southernmost main island Tuesday afternoon, including a magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck roughly 9 miles north of the city of Kumamoto.
Nearly a dozen fires broke out and a building partially collapsed following the earthquakes, triggering hundreds of emergency calls.
The main earthquake struck just before 4:30 p.m. local time and was relatively shallow, with an epicenter about 6 miles beneath the surface. It was felt across much of Kyushu, according to the USGS.
Japan earthquake
(FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami advisory for parts of Kyushu, warning of waves up to 3 feet, before lifting it a short time later.
A magnitude 5.6 and a magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck near the city of Tsunagi within an hour of the main earthquake.
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Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary said Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi established an emergency task force in response to the earthquakes and urged the public to be ready for strong aftershocks.
The Chief Cabinet Secretary also said the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant has not reported any abnormalities.
Kumamoto Airport said that it is closed due to the effects of the earthquake.
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Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said at least eight fires were reported across the affected region following the earthquakes and firefighters rescued at least 15 people.
Officials said the second floor of a commercial building in Kashima Town collapsed with numerous people believed to be trapped inside.
FILE — This photo taken on October 1, 2018 from Hanaokayama Hill shows the Kumamoto city skyline in Japan.
((Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP) (Photo by BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty Images) / Getty Images)
Fire officials noted that there have been no reports of damage to critical infrastructure.
Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reports at least 50 people have been injured across the region.
Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a 25,000-mile belt of volcanoes and earthquake zones surrounding much of the Pacific Ocean.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
