A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck southern Japan on Wednesday, affecting the Amakusa and Ashikita regions in Kumamoto Prefecture. The event was reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The quake was centered in an area of southern Kumamoto, bringing renewed attention to seismic activity in Japan, one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries. The brief report identified Amakusa and Ashikita as the regions impacted.
Only limited details were available in the initial update, and the short report did not include broader information about damage, injuries or other effects. Authorities in Japan typically monitor such quakes closely as more assessments come in after the first official notice.
