A significant earthquake struck off the southern coast of Japan on Thursday, prompting a tsunami advisory. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake, measuring 7.1 in magnitude, occurred at 4:43 p.m. local time and was centered off Miyazaki Prefecture on the western island of Kyushu. The tremor originated at a depth of approximately 18.6 miles.
In response, the agency issued a tsunami advisory, forecasting waves of up to 3.3 feet along Kyushu’s southern coast and the nearby island of Shikoku. Initial reports indicate that waves reaching 20 inches have already been recorded in Miyazaki, as noted by public broadcaster NHK.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi assured reporters that there were no immediate reports of abnormalities at nuclear power plants. The government is currently assessing the situation for potential damage and casualties.
NHK also reported instances of broken windows at Miyazaki Airport, which is near the earthquake’s epicenter.
Japan, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” remains one of the world’s most earthquake-prone regions due to its location along a network of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean.