When suddenly the whole earth started shaking: Japan was shaken by the earthquake of 7.1, red alert sounded amid the waves of tsunami rising from the sea.

Southern Japan witnessed a horrific display of nature on Tuesday afternoon, when a powerful and extremely strong earthquake was felt simultaneously across the entire Kyushu region. The epicenter of this earthquake, which had a devastating intensity of 7.1 on the Richter scale, was Kumamoto Prefecture and its surrounding areas of Kyushu Island. This sudden natural calamity created an atmosphere of chaos for a few moments. Immediately after the strong vibration in the buildings, the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued an emergency tsunami alert for the coastal areas.

‘Shindo 7’ recorded the highest danger level on the Japanese intensity scale

On Japan’s own seismological scale, called ‘Shindo Scale’, the intensity of this earthquake has been measured at the most dangerous i.e. ‘Level 7’. Shindo 7 is considered the extreme level of devastation on the Japanese scale, in which the ground shakes so fast that the risk of even the strongest buildings collapsing, roads collapsing, and major damage to infrastructure increases greatly. This strong shock has brought the lifestyle of Kumamoto and surrounding districts to a complete halt.

Tsunami alert in Ariake and Yatsushiro coastal areas: 3 major instructions for citizens

Within minutes of the earthquake, the weather agency predicted dangerous tsunami waves up to 1 meter (about 3 feet) high for coastal areas along the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea. Considering the seriousness of the situation and safety of human life, the local administration has immediately issued 3-point emergency instructions for coastal residents:

• Distance from coastal areas: People present around beaches, coastal roads and river mouths should immediately move away from there without wasting a moment.

• Shelter in high places: Citizens living in low-lying and plain areas should immediately move towards safe and higher shelter places.

• Take precautions: Until the weather agency officially withdraws the warning, do not make the mistake of going near the sea or water sources.

Relief and rescue agencies on high alert: increased risk of aftershocks

Disaster management, fire departments and emergency relief teams throughout the Kyushu region, including Kumamoto Prefecture, have been deployed on high alert mode. Provincial officials and police forces are rapidly assessing the loss of life and property and damaged structures in the affected areas. Along with this, experts have warned that strong aftershocks may occur in the next few hours or days after the main earthquake. In view of this apprehension, the local administration has appealed to all citizens to remain completely alert, safe and calm.