A 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Japan on Tuesday, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue a tsunami alert. As officials remain on alert for high tides, videos of the moment the earthquake hit the coastal nation have emerged on social media.
As per JMA, the earthquake struck the Kumamoto Region at a depth of 10 kilometres and a magnitude of 7.1. Meanwhile, the USGS has recorded the earthquake at a magnitude of 6.8.
JMA also noted a few aftershocks at magnitudes 4.5 and 4.2 in the same region.
In a video shared by users on X, the famous Kumamoto Castle was seen collapsing due to the intensity of the tremors.
In another video from a departmental store, objects were seen falling off high shelves due to the intensity of the earthquake.
Videos of brief landslides triggered by the earthquake in Kumamoto City also emerged on social media, showing clouds of dust and smoke.
In many videos, people are seen crouching and running for shelters in stores, malls and airports due to the intense shaking caused by the tremors.
Videos of brief landslides triggered by the earthquake in Kumamoto City also emerged on social media, showing clouds of dust and smoke.
In many videos, people are seen crouching and running for shelters in stores, malls and airports due to the intense shaking caused by the tremors.