From the Kumamoto International Desk of Rattling (moved a few centimeters to the south due to recent events): an earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale and six on the Japanese scale occurred with its epicenter at Nagomi-machi, in northern Kumamoto. That’s a rather strange place for a quake and makes me worry about tectonic activity moving under the Ariake Sea north.
Emergency services are calling for care as this may be a preshock. In particular, secure items which may cause fire or which may fall on your head. - William