Families shelter in cars after 6.8 magnitude quake in southwestern Japan

A 6.8‑magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan early Monday, leaving widespread damage and forcing many residents to sleep in their cars as temporary shelters. The quake, which registered at 12:43 p.m. local time, centered near the city of Shikoku and triggered aftershocks that rattled the region for the next several hours. Buildings in several towns sustained structural damage, and power outages were reported in coastal communities, prompting emergency services to advise residents to seek immediate shelter.

Local authorities have set up emergency response teams and designated safe zones in community centers and schools. However, the rapid onset of the tremor and the extent of the damage left many homes uninhabitable. In the absence of immediate access to permanent shelters, residents have taken to sleeping in their vehicles, a practice that has become common in the aftermath of the quake. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has urged people to stay alert for further aftershocks and to follow guidance from disaster management officials.

The government has pledged to provide temporary housing and support to affected families, while the Japan Meteorological Agency continues to monitor seismic activity. As the region works to restore normalcy, officials emphasize the importance of staying informed and adhering to safety protocols until the situation stabilizes.