A 7.1-magnitude earthquake has struck off the southern coast of Japan, triggering a tsunami advisory. Residents in Kyushu and Shikoku islands have been urged to stay away from the coastline as tsunami waves of up to 1.6 feet have been detected.
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck off the southern coast of Japan on Thursday, triggering a tsunami advisory and sending shockwaves across the region. The epicenter of the quake was located in waters off the eastern coast of Kyushu, Japan's southern main island, at a depth of approximately 18.6 miles.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami advisory for Kyushu and Shikoku islands, warning that tsunami waves of up to 1.6 feet could hit the coastline. Residents were urged to evacuate to higher ground and stay away from coastal areas.
Major Earthquake Strikes Off Japan's Southern Coast, Triggering Tsunami Advisory
The quake strongly shook Nichinan city and nearby areas in Miyazaki prefecture on Kyushu island. The JMA reported that tsunami waves of up to 1.6 feet were detected along parts of Kyushu's southern coast and the nearby island of Shikoku about half an hour after the quake struck.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said officials were assessing possible injuries or serious damage, though none were immediately reported. He urged residents of the affected region to remain vigilant and stay away from the coastline.
Major Earthquake Strikes Off Japan's Southern Coast, Triggering Tsunami Advisory
Seismology Department official Shigeki Aoki warned that strong aftershocks could occur for approximately a week following the main quake. The department held an emergency meeting to analyze the impact of the earthquake on the Nankai Trough, a nearby seismic zone responsible for past devastating earthquakes.
NHK public television reported that windows were shattered at the Miyazaki airport near the epicenter, and the airport's runway was temporarily closed for safety checks. NHK also showed footage of dozens of people gathering at designated hilltop evacuation areas.
In Osaki, neighboring Kagoshima prefecture, concrete walls collapsed and a wooden house sustained damage, but no injuries were reported. The Nuclear Regulation Authority affirmed that all 12 nuclear reactors, including three currently in operation, on Kyushu and Shikoku remained secure.
Earthquakes in areas with nuclear power plants have raised significant concerns since the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011, leading to the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Japan is situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a highly seismic zone encircling the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries.
On January 1, 2023, another earthquake in Japan's north-central region of Noto resulted in over 240 fatalities. The recent earthquake off the southern coast serves as a stark reminder of the constant seismic activity in Japan and the importance of preparedness measures.
