Tsunami Warning Issued After 6.9 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Japan

Tokyo: A strong earthquake of 6.9 magnitude rattled southeastern Japan on Monday, following which the authorities issued tsunami warning.

The quake, which struck at 9.20 pm local time (5.50 pm IST), was centred in the island of Kyushu, as well as nearby Kochi Prefecture.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued an advisory for tsunami waves of up to one metre (three feet) in Miyazaki Prefecture.

The US Geological Survey revised its estimate down from 6.9, adding that there is “no tsunami threat from this earthquake.”

However, JMA urged the public to stay away from coastal waters.

“Tsunami can strike repeatedly. Please do not enter the sea or go near coastal areas,” JMA said on its X handle.

The extent of damage was not immediately clear. However, no irregularity was noticed at the Ikata nuclear power plant.

Japan is located along the ‘Ring of Fire,’ an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin, and hence, frequently hit by earthquakes.