On Thursday, Japan was hit two significant earthquakes off its southern island of Kyushu. The first tremor registered a magnitude of 6.9, quickly followed by a more powerful 7.1-magnitude quake, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the epicenter of these quakes was located off the eastern coast of Kyushu at a depth of approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). In response to these strong earthquakes, the agency issued a tsunami advisory, warning of potential waves up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) high along the southern coast of Kyushu and the nearby island of Shikoku.
Nuclear plant operators in Kyushu and Shikoku have initiated inspections to assess any potential damage. NHK, Japan's public television network, reported instances of broken windows at Miyazaki Airport, which is near the epicenter of the quakes.
Japan, situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," is known for its high seismic activity. The country frequently experiences earthquakes due to the numerous seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean. Earlier this year, on January 1, a significant earthquake in the north-central region of Noto resulted in over 240 fatalities.
Tremors Shake Japan’s Southern Coast, Tsunami Warning Issued
The Japan Meteorological Agency pinpointed the epicenter of the quakes off the eastern coast of Kyushu, with a depth of around 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). A tsunami advisory was issued, predicting waves of up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) along Kyushu's southern coast and the adjacent island of Shikoku.
Operators of nuclear facilities on Kyushu and Shikoku are currently assessing their plants for any potential damage. Reports from NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, indicated that windows were shattered at Miyazaki Airport, close to the quakes' epicenter.
Japan is located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region notorious for its seismic activity. The country is one of the most earthquake-prone areas globally due to the numerous faults surrounding the Pacific Ocean. A devastating earthquake in the north-central region of Noto earlier this year on January 1 resulted in over 240 deaths.
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