TOKYO, July 28 -- Prime Minister and His Cabinet issued the following information:
[Provisional translation]
(Prime Minister Takaichi )
At approximately 4:27 p.m. today, an earthquake with its epicenter in the Kumamoto region of Kumamoto Prefecture occurred. A maximum seismic intensity of 7 was observed in Hikawa Town, Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and strong tremors were felt across a wide area of Kyushu. A tsunami advisory has been issued for the Ariake Sea, and tsunami waves of approximately one meter are expected. I urge everyone to stay away from coastal areas.
I instructed the relevant ministries and agencies to:
* Assess the state of affairs regarding damage as soon as possible.* Act in close coordination with local governments...