At least 50 injured in Japan’s powerful earthquake

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu.

According to Reuters, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami warning following the quake.

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi urged people to stay away from coastal areas where tsunami waves are expected. She said the government had set up an emergency task force to gather information, assess the extent of the damage, and prepare for rescue operations if necessary.

There have been reports of fatalities, as well as fires in some areas, collapsed buildings, and damage to roads and bridges. Power outages have also been reported in several locations.

According to NHK, at least 50 people have been injured in the earthquake. Search-and-rescue and recovery efforts are underway in the affected areas.