A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 rocked southwestern Japan, triggering a tsunami and causing significant damage in the Miyazaki area.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the quake struck at 4:43 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 30 kilometers deep in the Hyuga Sea, just off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture.
The earthquake caused extensive damage to homes and roads throughout the region. Despite the severity of the event, no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported so far. Authorities are continuing to assess the situation to ensure aid reaches those in need.
Two strong #earthquakes hit #Japan at once, there is a threat of #tsunami 🌊
A magnitude 6.9 #earthquake struck the south of the country this afternoon. Less than a minute later, an even stronger earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 followed. pic.twitter.com/hZGGYHzVDx— Genesis Watchman Report (@ReportWatchman) August 8, 2024
In response to the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued for the Pacific coastlines in the affected areas. Waves measuring between half a meter and one meter were predicted and have already been observed at various locations, including the port of Miyazaki.
Tsunami Follows Devastating Earthquake
As predicted by authorities, several coastal areas recorded tsunamis following the earthquake. The first waves were detected at 5:01 p.m. in the port of Nichinan, near the epicenter, reaching heights of 20 centimeters. The port of Aburatsu in the same city later reported waves up to 40 centimeters high.
The largest tsunami waves, measuring half a meter, were recorded at the port of Miyazaki. Other affected locations included the city of Tosashimizu in Kochi Prefecture on the neighboring island of Shikoku, as well as the port of Shibushi and the city of Minamiosumi in Kagoshima Prefecture on Kyushu Island. Fortunately, no damage from the tsunami has been reported so far.
At least nine people have sustained minor injuries, with five reported in Miyazaki and four in Kagoshima. Images shared on social media show the extent of the damage to homes and roads. Local train services in Miyazaki and Kagoshima have been temporarily suspended, and sections of highways have been closed for inspection.
“We ask all citizens to carefully check every new information issued by the government, reconfirm their daily earthquake preparedness, and be ready to evacuate immediately in the event of an earthquake,” said Prime Minister Fumio Kishida after the meteorological agency issued a “mega earthquake caution.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance to those affected.
