Kumamoto Earthquake: Kyushu Shinkansen Services Halted After M7.1 Tremor

Tokyo (ANTARA) - Kyushu Shinkansen high-speed rail services were suspended on Wednesday after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in south-western Japan.

Meanwhile, tram services will resume operations at reduced speed in Kumamoto City, according to the Kumamoto City Transport Bureau, which warned that services could be suspended if another strong earthquake occurs.

The local meteorological agency urged residents to remain alert to the potential for aftershocks.

The prefecture’s rail, road and air transport systems have been disrupted since the earthquake on Tuesday (28/7), which recorded a maximum intensity of 7 on Japan’s earthquake intensity scale.

Following the earthquake, an explosion shook a shopping centre in Kumamoto operated by the Aeon group, and rescue teams are still searching for missing victims.

On Wednesday, local authorities said two women had been confirmed dead and another woman was found unconscious.

Around 200 people were evacuated from the mall before the building exploded and the second floor collapsed, according to the authorities.