7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan; Lai Ching-te: Taiwan Is Ready to Provide Assistance

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, on Tuesday (July 28).

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te posted messages in both Chinese and Japanese to express his condolences and said Taiwan is also ready to provide assistance at any time.

Lai Ching-te wrote on the social platform X (formerly Twitter): "In response to the strong earthquake that just occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, I would like to express my sincere condolences on behalf of the people of Taiwan." Lai Ching-te described Taiwan and Japan as true friends who share adversity, and said: "We are closely monitoring the local situation, and Taiwan is also ready to provide assistance at any time.

We wish the local people safety and well-being." The Japan Meteorological Agency announced that an earthquake estimated at magnitude 7.1 occurred in the Kumamoto region of Kumamoto Prefecture at around 4:27 p.m.

The epicenter was 10 kilometers deep, and the meteorological agency also issued a tsunami advisory.

According to Kyodo News, the Uki Regional Wide-Area Fire Department Headquarters in Kumamoto Prefecture reported that multiple people may have been injured.

Fires also occurred, and fire departments are confirming the situation on site.

Kyushu Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Company said that more than 48,000 households in the prefecture have lost power.

TSMC, which has a plant there, said that its JASM (Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing) site in Kumamoto, Japan, met evacuation criteria, and with personnel safety as the top priority, it is evacuating and accounting for personnel indoors and outdoors in accordance with emergency response procedures.