{"text":[[{"start":7.4,"text":"A major earthquake has struck the prefecture of Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu in southern Japan, causing widespread damage and triggering warnings of potentially large aftershocks."}],[{"start":18.5,"text":"Following the earthquake, which hit at close to 4.30pm local time on Tuesday and had an estimated magnitude of 7.1, Japan’s national broadcaster NHK showed pictures of buckled and cracked roads, overturned freight trains, collapsed and burning buildings as well as a seriously damaged shopping centre. "}],[{"start":37.85,"text":"Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, speaking in Tokyo soon after the earthquake, said there had been reports of injuries in the region."}],[{"start":46.25,"text":"NHK said the local fire department had reported an explosion at the shopping centre in the town of Kashima and that people appeared to be trapped inside."}],[{"start":54.95,"text":"“There are areas where power outages and fires have occurred, and there has also been damage to roads and bridges, as well as the collapse of buildings,” Takaichi said. “Above all, please take action to protect yourselves, including evacuating to a safe place.”"}],[{"start":68.60000000000001,"text":"Japan’s meteorological agency said that since the earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth, the tremors were particularly powerful and there was a risk of further earthquakes."}],[{"start":79.50000000000001,"text":"More than 40,000 homes were without power, according to Kyushu Electric Power, while trains in the region were suspended and the local airport was closed."}],[{"start":89.55000000000001,"text":"Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara said there had been no reports of irregularities at the region’s nuclear plants."}],[{"start":97.25000000000001,"text":"A warning of a one-metre tsunami was issued by the meteorological agency directly after the earthquake, but was subsequently lifted."}],[{"start":105.40000000000002,"text":"The area around Kumamoto is home to many industrial companies, including major parts of the country’s semiconductor infrastructure. "}],[{"start":113.00000000000001,"text":"Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the world’s largest chip manufacturer, said in a statement that it had evacuated workers from its plant in Kumamoto. Sony, which also has semiconductor operations in Kumamoto, said it was examining the situation."}],[{"start":128.55,"text":"The last time an earthquake of this magnitude hit Japan was in 2024 on the Noto Peninsula, resulting in multiple deaths. Kumamoto itself was devastated by large earthquakes in 2016."}],[{"start":148.55,"text":""}]],"url":"https://audio.ftcn.net.cn/album/a_1785240551_2820.mp3"}