A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 7.1 has hit southern Japan, with a tsunami warning issued.
The quake occurred at 9.55am local time and the epicentre was in the Hyuganada Sea, at a depth of 30km.
Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) is currently conducting aerial damage assessment of the areas affected by the earthquake.
Videos posted to X social media show the terrifying moment the earthquake struck. One clip shows the inside of an office where TV monitors are hanging from the ceiling.
The TV monitors sway wildly as the walls of the building appear to close in. Workers can be seen taking refuge under their work desks.
In another clip shot in a shopping mall, clothes racks also shake uncontrollably as the earthquake strikes. Shoppers can be seen crouching down on the floor, as they wait out the terrifying ordeal.
More video footage of the quake show cars standing at a traffic light, as they look to turn right. The vehicles rock from side-to-side as the strong tremors break out.
Other cars continue to drive straight on, despite the risks of falling debris from buildings that line the street.
Japan’s Prime Minister has issued a number of instructions regarding the emergency situation triggered by the earthquake.
In a post on his official X social media account, Fumio Kishida wrote that his government was acting in close coordination with local officials to bring assisatnce to those affected by the earthquake.
He added the government would spare no effort in its emergency disaster responses as it prioritises saving lives and rescuing disaster victims.
Japan was hit by a tsunami after a massive earthquake in 2011, which had a magnitude of nine.
A wave measuring some 33 feet high inundated the coast and flooded parts of the city of Sendai, including its airport and the surrounding countryside.
The tsunami also instigated a major nuclear accident at a power station along the coast.