A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday afternoon. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami alert for coastal areas. Waves up to one meter were predicted to reach shore soon after. This seismic event occurred just over a month after a similar quake in northern Japan.

An earthquake registering a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 has shaken Kumamoto on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu.

Authorities say 1-metre waves could hit coastal areas after a maximum-intensity tremor shook Kyushu.

A tsunami warning for a wave measuring 1m was issued after the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture, triggering a tsunami warning and emergency alerts across southern Kyushu.