A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Japan’s southwestern Kyushu region on Monday, prompting a tsunami advisory. According to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre, the quake occurred at a depth of 23 miles, with its epicenter in Miyazaki Prefecture, according to media outlet The Sun.
Following the earthquake, authorities issued tsunami warnings for Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures, cautioning that waves could reach up to one meter tall. Eleven cities in Kochi prefecture were initially ordered to evacuate before the advisory was lifted on Monday evening (local time).
Masamasa Sato, Chief of the crisis management department in Takanabe Town Hall, described the quake as “so strong that it was difficult to stand for about 20 to 30 seconds.” Local authorities have been broadcasting warnings in coastal areas, urging residents to remain vigilant despite the lifting of the tsunami advisory.
Thus far, no significant structural damage has been reported. Police in Miyazaki City, near the epicenter, confirmed they have not received any emergency calls related to the quake. Reports from Shintomi Town Hall and other affected areas described strong horizontal shaking but no visible damage.
Critical infrastructure, including nuclear power plants, has been assessed for safety. Kyushu Electric Power reported that the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in Kagoshima Prefecture, which experienced a seismic intensity of 3, remains fully operational with stable radiation levels. Similarly, Shikoku Electric Power confirmed no abnormalities at the Ikata Nuclear Power Plant in Ehime Prefecture.
In response to the earthquake, the Japanese government established an information liaison office at the Prime Minister’s Crisis Management Center. Officials are closely monitoring the situation as reports continue to come in.
Constant danger
Japan’s susceptibility to earthquakes stems from its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, known as a highly active zone of volcanoes and fault lines. The country sits at the convergence of four major tectonic plates namely: the Pacific, North American, Eurasian, and Philippine Sea Plates. These tectonic interactions frequently lead to seismic activity, including underwater fault movements that can trigger tsunamis.
Throughout history, Japan has endured devastating earthquakes and tsunamis. The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, one of the most catastrophic, resulted in over 15,000 deaths and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The 1995 Kobe earthquake claimed over 6,000 lives and caused widespread destruction.
Japan has invested heavily in its disaster preparedness. Seismic-resistant buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes by swaying rather than collapsing. Early warning systems provide residents with crucial seconds to prepare for impending seismic activity. These measures have significantly reduced the loss of life and property damage in recent years.