Japan on Tuesday issued a tsunami warning after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit the southern part of the country.

 

The earthquake was measured at the highest possible level of seven on Japan’s Shindo scale of shaking, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

 

The JMA said the earthquake struck at 4:27 pm local time. It added that the tsunami triggered by the earthquake could measure up to 1 metre

 

While there was no immediate report of any casualties, AFP reported that the earthquake knocked out power to tens of thousands of households.

 

About 45,000 households and facilities have no power in the Kumamoto region, according to local utility Kyushu Electric Power.

 

The firm added that three nuclear reactors operating at the time in the region were continuing their normal operations.

 

Around half an hour after the quake, a local NHK staffer wearing a helmet reported live on air that the shaking was continuing, with the newsroom shaking so violently it was difficult to remain standing.

 

“Shaking is continuing as I speak. Including myself, there may be some people who feel their hearts racing,” he said.

 

“When the quake struck, the shaking was so big that I could not stand up. Please be aware of the possibility that shaking might continue after this.”