On Tuesday afternoon, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake occurred near Kumamoto city in Japan, with the epicenter located approximately 20 kilometers away. The seismic event caused significant alarm among visitors in the area, including a Hong Kong resident who described the experience as frightening. The individual, 18-year-old Leon Chan, reported that the tremors began shortly after she and her boyfriend disembarked from a bus on the west side of Kumamoto city.

In response to the earthquake, the Hong Kong travel authority conducted an assessment of local residents currently visiting the region. Officials confirmed that approximately 200 Hong Kong tourists participating in organized tour groups were accounted for and remained safe. While the report highlights the immediate impact on travelers, it does not provide extensive data regarding local infrastructure damage or the status of independent travelers not affiliated with tour groups. The situation remains under observation as authorities continue to monitor the aftermath of the seismic activity in southern Japan.