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
Source: caliber.az