On Thursday, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern Kyushu region, with the epicenter located 20 kilometers northeast of Nichinan. Initially reported as a 6.9 magnitude quake, the Japan Meteorological Agency later revised it to 7.1.
Authorities activated a tsunami warning at 7:50 GMT, urging residents to avoid the coastline. The Miyazaki region is on high alert for potential tsunami waves of at least one meter. The Nuclear Regulation Authority has confirmed that all 12 nuclear reactors on Kyushu and Shikoku, including three currently operating, are safe.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi reported that officials are assessing potential injuries and damage, though none have been immediately confirmed. Visuals on social media depict large-scale tremors and evacuation efforts. Local reports have cited a magnitude of 7.6, but the U.S. Geological Survey corroborates the 7.1 rating.
Earlier this year, Japan experienced a deadly earthquake in Noto, and the country remains highly vulnerable to seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. The devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami claimed over 19,000 lives.
