7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan; Tsunami Warning Issued

A powerful earthquake, initially recorded with a magnitude of 7.1, rocked western Japan on Thursday, impacting the southwestern islands of Kyushu and Shikoku. Public broadcaster NHK reported that the quake’s preliminary magnitude was later adjusted to 6.9.

In response to the seismic activity, authorities have issued a tsunami advisory for the prefectures of Miyazaki, Kochi, Oita, Kagoshima, and Ehime. In Miyazaki, located on Kyushu, waves measuring up to 20 centimeters have already been observed, according to Reuters citing NHK. The earthquake struck less than 20 miles off the coast of Miyazaki, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The Japan Earthquake Research Institute (NERV) confirmed that the quake originated in the Hyuga-Nada Sea. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and advising residents to stay vigilant as the tsunami warning remains in effect.