TOKYO, July 29 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Japan on Wednesday issued an advisory urging Chinese citizens in the country to remain vigilant against earthquake risks following a series of strong earthquakes in southwestern Japan.

This photo taken on July 29, 2026 shows a damaged house after an earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. (Photo: Xinhua)

In the advisory, the embassy said a magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture at 4:27 p.m. local time Tuesday, followed by more than 148 aftershocks within 12 hours, resulting in heavy casualties.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that strong earthquakes of similar magnitude could strike again within the next week.

The embassy advised Chinese citizens to make travel arrangements carefully, avoid visiting affected areas, raise awareness of self-protection and strengthen personal safety precautions.

It urged Chinese citizens to closely monitor seismic activity, weather alerts and disaster preparedness information, follow prevention and evacuation guidance issued by local authorities, remain vigilant against aftershocks and secondary disasters, and promptly report to the police and contact the Chinese embassy or consulates in Japan for assistance in case of emergencies.