### M5.8 Earthquake Hits Southwestern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 struck Japan’s southwestern prefectures of Kumamoto and Oita on Tuesday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake occurred around midday, shaking a broad area of Kyushu Island, but no tsunami warning was issued.
### Details from Authorities
The JMA reported that the epicenter was located in the Aso region in Kumamoto Prefecture at a depth of roughly 10 kilometers. The tremor registered a maximum intensity of lower 5 on Japan’s seismic scale of 7, which indicates strong shaking capable of moving unsecured objects and making walking difficult.
There were no immediate reports of major injuries or structural damage, though local officials are continuing to assess the situation. The central and local governments confirmed that transportation systems, including major train lines and airports, operated normally after brief safety checks.
### Context and Reactions
Kumamoto, one of the regions affected, suffered devastating earthquakes in 2016, which caused widespread destruction and casualties. Tuesday’s event reignited memories of those disasters, though residents expressed relief that the latest quake was relatively minor.
The Japan Meteorological Agency urged people in the affected areas to stay alert for possible aftershocks over the coming days.
> “There is no threat of a tsunami from this earthquake,” a JMA official said during a press briefing.
### Safety and Monitoring
Power and water supply services remained stable across most affected regions. Emergency management teams emphasized preparedness, reminding residents to secure heavy furniture and verify evacuation routes in case of larger quakes in the future.
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**Author’s summary:** A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Kumamoto and Oita in southwestern Japan, causing strong shaking but no tsunami warnings or major damage.
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Japan Today — 2025-11-26