""The greater part of japan must Go into the Sea"" Edward Casey

A strong 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit Japan’s south-western island of Kyushu on Thursday (April 14), but there was no danger of a tsunami, local authorities said.

Another 6.4-magnitude aftershock hit the area about two hours after the first quake.

The initial quake struck at 9.26 pm (1226 GMT) in Kumamoto, central Kyushu at a relatively shallow depth of 10km, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

The earthquake was felt throughout the south-western island of Kyushu, Agency data showed, as media reported that shinkansen, or bullet, train service was halted on the island.

The quake was followed about 30 minutes later by another smaller one with a magnitude of 5.7, the agency said. That quake also did not generate a tsunami warning.

Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported that some buildings had collapsed in Kyushu with people possibly trapped, though details were scarce. Police in Mashiki city, where the quake was the strongest, have also received multiple reports of injuries.

Cameras set up by NHK in their Kumamoto bureau showed violent shaking at the time of the quake. Footage aired by NHK also showed some damage including broken concrete in Kumamoto. Residents were also seen standing outside making calls on mobile phones. Strong aftershocks are continuing to hit the area.