Tsunami advisory lifted after 6.9 magnitude earthquake strikes southwest Japan UPDATED

Japan's Meteorological Agency has lifted a tsunami advisory after a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of southwest Japan.

The earthquake, which occurred shortly after 9:19 p.m. local time (7:19 a.m. ET), prompted an immediate tsunami warning for Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu Island and Kochi Prefecture to the south, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, an initial tsunami wave measuring approximately 1 meter (3.2 feet) in height made landfall within 30 minutes of the earthquake. Despite the advisory being lifted, authorities cautioned residents to remain cautious and avoid coastal areas, as further waves, potentially higher than the initial one, could still pose a risk.

In addition to the threat of additional tsunami waves, officials highlighted the dangers posed by potential cliff collapses and falling rocks, which could further threaten the safety of the affected regions. "An earthquake could occur at any time, and it is important to ensure that preparations for earthquakes are implemented on a daily basis," authorities stated during a press conference following the incident.

Japan’s location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its seismic and volcanic activity, makes it highly susceptible to frequent earthquakes. The recent tremor occurred near the Hyuga-nada Sea, a zone that has seen similar seismic activity in the past. Last summer, the Japanese weather agency issued a megathrust earthquake alert after tremors were detected in western Japan.

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and the devastating tsunami that followed remain etched in the memories of the Japanese public. That disaster, one of the deadliest in Japan's history, resulted in over 20,000 deaths, widespread destruction, and a catastrophic nuclear incident at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant.

While the current earthquake has caused no immediate reports of casualties or severe damage, Japan’s ongoing vulnerability to seismic activity underscores the importance of earthquake preparedness and early warning systems in safeguarding its population.

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A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the southeastern coast of Japan’s Kyushu Island on January 13, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue a tsunami advisory.

The earthquake occurred at 9:19 p.m. local time (1219 GMT) in the Miyazaki Prefecture, with seismic activity also impacting the nearby Kochi Prefecture, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The tremor, which struck at a depth of 23 miles, was particularly felt in the southwestern region of Kyushu. Authorities issued a tsunami warning for the affected areas, indicating that waves could reach up to one meter. While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, no emergency calls or major damage reports have been received from local police stations, including Miyazaki Minami Police Station, where the tremor was strongest.

According to Masamasa Sato, Chief of the Crisis Management Department at Takanabe Town Hall in Miyazaki Prefecture, the shaking was intense, lasting for about 20 to 30 seconds. Local authorities are urging residents along the coastline to remain cautious and follow evacuation protocols, with radio messages issued for further instructions.

Shintomi Town officials also reported strong horizontal shaking, but no structural damage has been reported in the area. Despite the limited impact observed so far, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

Japan’s location along the "Ring of Fire," an area marked by frequent seismic activity, makes it highly susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis. The country lies at the convergence of four major tectonic plates—Pacific, North American, Eurasian, and Philippine Sea—leading to constant geological movements and subduction zones that can trigger earthquakes and tsunamis.

Japan’s vulnerability to such natural disasters is underscored by past catastrophic events, including the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which caused widespread devastation and claimed over 15,000 lives. To mitigate these risks, Japan has implemented stringent safety measures, including seismic-resistant infrastructure, early warning systems, and coastal tsunami defense systems. These efforts aim to minimize casualties and enhance preparedness in the face of future seismic events.

By Vafa Guliyeva