A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck off Japan’s southern coast on Thursday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake was centered off the eastern coast of Kyushu, Japan’s southern main island, at a depth of about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles).
Tsunami Advisory Issued
Following the quake, the JMA issued a tsunami advisory, with waves up to 50 centimeters (1.6 feet) detected along parts of Kyushu’s southern coast and the nearby island of Shikoku. The tremor was most strongly felt in Nichinan city and surrounding areas in Miyazaki prefecture. Seismologists are currently analyzing the potential impact on the nearby Nankai trough, a known source of past devastating earthquakes.
No Immediate Signs of Major Damage
Despite the earthquake’s strength, there have been no immediate reports of significant damage. However, broken windows were reported at Miyazaki Airport, which is located near the epicenter. Operators of nuclear plants in Kyushu and Shikoku have initiated checks for possible damage, a routine procedure in a country where earthquakes frequently occur near nuclear facilities.
Japan, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. The nation remains vigilant, especially after the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that led to the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The JMA continues to monitor the situation closely.
Inputs by Agencies
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