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#BREAKING Magnitude 6.8 earthquake strikes southwestern Japan; bullet train services halted

By The South Asia Times

TOKYO - A strong earthquake with a revised magnitude of 6.8 struck near Uto in southwestern Japan on Tuesday after the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported it as a magnitude 7.1 event.

The shallow quake struck about 5 kilometers east of Uto, prompting safety inspections and disruptions across the Kyushu region.

Japanese authorities said no abnormalities were detected at nuclear power plants in the affected area following initial inspections, according to Kyodo News.

Rail operators suspended Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train services as well as several local train lines while safety checks were carried out. Officials are assessing infrastructure and monitoring for aftershocks.

There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties. Authorities urged residents to remain alert as aftershocks are possible in the coming hours.

Meanwhile, another magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan at 5:08 p.m. local time on Tuesday, with a very shallow depth and a maximum observed seismic intensity of lower 5 on Japan's 7-point scale.