Tsunami alert follows powerful earthquake in southwest Japan

Japan issued a tsunami alert after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kyushu on Tuesday, causing strong shaking, damaging buildings and cutting power to thousands of homes.

Footage shows the ground shaking in Kumamoto, while aerial images reveal damage at the Yatsushiro Castle Ruins.

The earthquake struck at 4:27 p.m. local time and reached the highest level of seven on Japan's Shindo seismic scale in parts of Kumamoto Prefecture.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of tsunami waves of up to one metre, urging people to leave the water and stay away from the coast.

The government activated its emergency response, with search and rescue teams assessing the damage. Officials also urged residents to remain alert for strong aftershocks.