A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in the Kyushu region on Tuesday, registering up to shindo 7, the highest level on the Japanese seismic intensity scale.

The weather agency issued a tsunami advisory for the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas, urging people to stay away from the ocean and the sea shore.

This is a developing story. Updates to follow.

More information:

  • An explanation of - shindo, Japan’s earthquake intensity scale
  • A guide to - what to do before, during and after an earthquake
  • Our portal for - disaster-related information