Japan earthquake LIVE: Tsunami alert after 7.1-mag tremor hit Kumamoto in Kyushu region | World | News

Japan’s Prime Minister has issued three immediate instructions to government agencies following the powerful earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture.

In a statement shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, officials were ordered to rapidly assess the extent of the damage, work closely with local authorities to prioritise saving lives and rescue efforts, and provide the public with timely information on evacuations and the developing situation.

The instructions were issued at 4.29pm local time (8.29am BST), shortly after the earthquake struck.