Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan has been struck by an earthquake of seismic intensity 7, the most severe level on Japan's scale. Local citizens are posting real-time updates and reactions on various social media platforms, providing much-needed information about the unfolding situation. No initial reports of casualties or severe infrastructural damage have been reported as of now.

In Japan, earthquake information is speedily disseminated to the public on a real-time basis. The disaster response teams are extremely well-drilled, and citizens are well-informed about how to respond. The effective use of social media has also begun playing a critical role, providing useful data for authorities and helping people communicate their status and needs.

Unlike in the US or EU, where earthquake severity is typically measured using the "moment magnitude scale" (Mw), Japan uses the "shindo" scale to measure seismic intensity at different locations. Also, Japan's preparation and response to earthquakes is considered one of the best worldwide, given its frequency of seismic events.