Photo: KYODO / Reuters
In two hours, seismologists recorded nearly 30 aftershocks—and this is just the beginning: meteorologists predict that there will continue to be a high probability of strong tremors throughout the week.
What is known about the aftermath?
According to NHK, citing local authorities, the number of people injured has exceeded 50. Damage is being reported across several areas simultaneously: fires, damaged homes, and destroyed roads and bridges. About 48,000 homes are without power. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
The Japanese government quickly set up a command center at the crisis management headquarters within the Prime Minister’s Office. All train service on the island, including the Shinkansen high-speed trains, has been completely suspended. TSMC, the world’s largest chip manufacturer, has temporarily evacuated staff from its plant in Kumamoto.
There is also important positive news: the nuclear power plants located in the region are operating normally—there is no radiation threat.
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