Magnitude 5.2 earthquake strikes off Japan's Kyushu island

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Japan’s Kyushu island early Friday morning, July 17, according to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The offshore tremor occurred at 6:49 AM local time. Seismic monitors located the epicentre in the sea just east of Tanegashima Island, an administrative part of Kagoshima Prefecture. The agency reported that the earthquake originated at a depth of approximately 40 kilometres.

Preliminary assessments from local authorities indicate that the quake caused no casualties, injuries, or structural damage. No tsunami advisory or warning was issued in the wake of the event, and regional maritime infrastructure continues to operate normally.

By Tamilla Hasanova