• Source:JND
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A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan late on Monday, the US Geological Survey said, prompting local authorities to issue a tsunami advisory. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the advisory for tsunami waves of up to one metre (nearly one yard) after the quake struck off Miyazaki prefecture in the Kyushu region around 21:19 pm (local time). 

Tsunami warnings were issued for Miyazaki Prefecture, where the temblor was centred, in the southwestern island of Kyushu, as well as nearby Kochi Prefecture, shortly after the earthquake struck, according to the agency.

The earthquake, which struck about 80 kilometres off the coast, was felt across the region, causing minor damage to buildings and prompting swift evacuations in coastal areas. Japanese authorities were quick to urge residents in affected areas to remain cautious, with rescue teams and emergency services dispatched to monitor the situation closely.

Miyazaki City, the prefectural capital with a population of roughly 400,000, reported no abnormalities at nearby nuclear power plants. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is investigating the earthquake's potential connection to the Nankai Trough. Japan, situated along the "Ring of Fire", is frequently affected by earthquakes due to its location along the Pacific fault lines.

Tsunami Advisory Issued 

JMA issued a tsunami warning with waves up to one metre. In Kochi Prefecture, local authorities advised residents in coastal areas to evacuate. However, no immediate reports of damage or injuries were reported. A small tsunami reached Miyazaki Port within 30 minutes, with water levels reaching 20 centimetres high.

The recent earthquake in southwestern Japan follows previous seismic events in August of the previous year, where powerful quakes also prompted tsunami warnings. Japan's location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates converge, makes it highly susceptible to frequent earthquakes, necessitating strict earthquake preparedness protocols.