Japan issues tsunami warning as 7.1 quake hits Kyushu Damage feared at historic Kumamoto Castle

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu island on July 28, triggering tsunami warnings and prompting emergency alerts across seven prefectures, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The JMA warned that tsunami waves of up to one metre could reach the coastlines of Ariake and Yatsushiro bays.

The Japanese government issued emergency earthquake alerts for Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita and Miyazaki prefectures, while emergency services were placed on heightened alert.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or widespread damage.

Local media reported that the historic Kumamoto Castle may have sustained damage during the quake. Live television footage showed clouds of dust rising from the area around the castle shortly after the tremor.

The castle administration has not confirmed any structural damage but announced that the surrounding park has been closed as inspections continue.

Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's best-known feudal fortresses, was built in the early 17th century and attracts more than 1.5 million visitors each year. Known as the "Crow Castle" for its black exterior, it suffered extensive damage during the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, when sections of its stone walls and roof tiles collapsed.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and assess the impact of the earthquake.

By Aghakazim Guliyev