A powerful earthquake struck southern Japan on Monday, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reporting a preliminary magnitude of 6.9. The quake was detected at sea, approximately seven miles southeast of Miyazaki City on the island of Kyushu, which is roughly 700 miles southeast of Tokyo. The earthquake occurred at 9:19 p.m. local time.
As of now, there are no confirmed reports of injuries or damage to structures in the region. The USGS indicated that the earthquake took place at a depth of over 22 miles.
In response to the seismic event, tsunami advisories were issued for the southern prefectures of Miyazaki and Kochi, cautioning about potential waves reaching up to about 3.5 feet. A small tsunami measuring 20 centimeters was observed in Miyazaki City, as reported by public broadcaster NHK.
Importantly, there have been no reported issues at the nearby Ikata Nuclear Power Plant or the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant, which are the closest to the earthquake’s epicenter.
Following earlier seismic activity, Japan’s meteorological authorities issued an advisory in August that warned of elevated risks for a megaquake in the Nankai Trough region. However, after assessing the recent earthquake, experts concluded that no special precautionary measures are necessary.
Overall, while the magnitude of the earthquake was significant, authorities are monitoring the situation closely and appear to be managing the potential risks effectively. This incident highlights Japan’s preparedness for seismic events, which is critical in a nation known for its occasional, yet powerful earthquakes.
Summary: A 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit southern Japan near Miyazaki City, prompting tsunami advisories. No immediate injuries or significant damage have been reported, and nuclear plants in the area are safe. Authorities are continuing to investigate the earthquake’s implications and its connection to previous seismic warnings.