A state of emergency was triggered as tremors were detected in South Korea's southern regions following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan, prompting a tsunami advisory.

Magnitude 7 Strong Earthquake Hits Kumamoto, Japan... Tsunami Advisory Issued for Ariake Sea and Other Areas According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicenter of this earthquake was approximately 10 km deep, with a preliminary estimated magnitude of 7.1. In some areas of Kumamoto Prefecture, shaking at the maximum level of 7 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale was observed. The agency issued an emergency earthquake warning for areas expected to experience strong shaking.

Immediately after the earthquake, tsunami advisories were issued for the coastal areas of the Ariake Sea and the Yatsushiro Sea. Japanese weather authorities urged residents in the affected areas to immediately leave the coast and evacuate to safe locations.

Successive Aftershocks Occur... 'Must Stay Alert for Additional Earthquakes' Following the initial strong earthquake, aftershocks of varying sizes have been continuously observed, keeping authorities on guard against further damage. An earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 5 lower was recorded at 4:29 p.m., followed by tremors with a maximum intensity of 4 at 4:39 p.m. and 4:59 p.m., respectively. Japanese weather authorities warned that additional earthquakes could occur following a major tremor.

Impact Reaches Southern South Korea... Changwon City Issues Disaster Alert This powerful earthquake in Japan also affected southern regions of South Korea. At 4:53 p.m., Changwon City issued an official disaster alert stating, "The shaking detected in southern regions including Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam at approximately 4:27 p.m. on July 28 was caused by the earthquake in Japan," urging residents to take all necessary precautions for their safety.