A tsunami advisory has been issued for parts of southern Japan following a series of powerful earthquakes on Thursday afternoon. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that back-to-back quakes measuring 6.9 and 7.1 in magnitude struck the region, prompting the advisory for coastal areas on the southern islands of Kyushu and Shikoku.
Affected Areas in Japan and Tsunami Waves
The tsunami advisory covers several prefectures, including Miyazaki and Kochi. Initial reports indicate that tsunami waves have begun arriving along the coast of Miyazaki, with an expected wave height of up to one meter. This height is significant enough to potentially capsize small vessels, prompting the authorities to advise residents to evacuate coastal areas.
Earthquake Details
The first earthquake occurred less than 20 miles off the coast of Miyazaki on Kyushu, according to the United States Geological Survey. This was followed by a more intense quake of magnitude 7.1, which struck less than a minute later. The rapid succession of these earthquakes has heightened concerns about potential aftershocks and their impact.
Impact and Response
Inside the offices of NHK in Miyazaki, while no significant damage was reported, employees experienced difficulty standing on the second floor due to the intensity of the shakes. The police chief of Nichinan, also in Kyushu, reported no visible building collapses in the area.
Kyushu Electric Power Company has confirmed that its nuclear power plants are operating normally, alleviating concerns about potential nuclear incidents following the quakes.
Public Safety and Advisory Measures
The Japan Meteorological Agency’s tsunami advisories are issued for waves up to one meter, and residents are urged to stay away from coastal regions as a precautionary measure. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.
