(Image: Japan Meteorological Agency)
A strong 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit southern Japan Thursday evening (Thursday morning EST) causing collapsed buildings and widespread damage.
The Weather Channel is reporting:
A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu Island at 9:26 p.m. local time Thursday night (8:26 a.m. EDT), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Local media said the violent shaking sparked fires and destroyed some homes, possibly trapping people inside.
The tremor occurred at a depth of 6.2 miles, the USGS also reported. The quake's epicenter was 4.3 miles southwest of Ueki, and 385 miles south-southeast of Seoul, South Korea. In the hour following the main quake, there were three aftershocks – two measuring 4.8 magnitude and the other a 5.4.
There are no reports of casualties so far, but there are fears that people have been trapped under fallen debris and possibly even buildings.
The Weather Channel is also reporting that the Japan Meteorological Agency told the Associated Press that there is no threat of a tsunami. The shaking lasted about 30 seconds.
This story is in its early stages. Details will be updated once more information becomes available.