At least 50 injured as 7.1-magnitude earthquake strikes southern Japan

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday, injuring at least 50 people and leaving around 40,000 homes without electricity.

The earthquake hit Kumamoto Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu, prompting more than 150,000 people to be instructed to be evacuated while officials assessed the extent of the damage.

Local media also reported that shoppers were trapped inside a damaged shopping centre.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the earthquake had caused fires and damaged roads, bridges and buildings.

Officials urged people to stay away from the coastline and remain alert to the risk of landslides and strong aftershocks.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a temporary tsunami advisory for coastal areas around the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas. It was lifted within two hours.