Doctors protected a patient during surgery at a hospital in Kumamoto, Japan, last month as a powerful magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the region.

Security camera footage, broadcast by the BBC, showed the dramatic moments inside the operating theatre as the ground shook violently.

Medical staff in a Kumamoto hospital operating room demonstrated remarkable composure, instinctively shielding a patient as a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the facility.

The video depicted medical personnel moving swiftly to cover the patient on the operating table, ensuring their safety despite the intense tremors.

This quick thinking prevented potential injury to the patient during a highly vulnerable moment.

Kumamoto hospital operating room earthquake

Japan's Seismic Vulnerability

Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic zone, making it one of the world's most earthquake-prone nations.

The Kumamoto prefecture itself has a history of significant seismic activity, including a series of devastating earthquakes in 2016 that caused widespread damage and numerous casualties.

Preparedness and Response

Hospitals and other critical infrastructure in Japan are designed with stringent anti-seismic measures to withstand powerful tremors.

The incident at Kumamoto General Hospital underscores the effectiveness of regular disaster drills and the ingrained preparedness of Japanese emergency services and medical staff.

While there were no immediate reports of significant structural damage to the hospital from last month's quake, the footage serves as a stark reminder of the constant threat posed by natural disasters in the region.

Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity across the country, maintaining high vigilance for any further tremors.