Japan’s southwestern islands of Kyushu and Shikoku were struck by two powerful earthquakes on Thursday, registering magnitudes of 6.9 and 7.1. The quakes have prompted authorities to issue tsunami warnings for several coastal regions, with public broadcaster NHK providing ongoing updates.
A tsunami advisory has been issued for Miyazaki, Kochi, Oita, Kagoshima, and Ehime prefectures. Early reports indicate that 20-centimeter-high waves have already been observed in Miyazaki, the Reuters reported.
According to other reports by AFP, tsunamis of up to one meter are expected to reach some areas along the coastlines of Kyushu and Shikoku islands.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that tsunamis could strike repeatedly. “Tsunamis will strike repeatedly. Please do not enter the sea or approach the coast until the warning is lifted,” the agency stated on X.
| NEW IMAGES OF JAPAN EARTHQUAKE
The earthquake initially rated 6.9 has been revised to 7.1. Extensive damage reported and a #tsunami risk remains. #Miyazaki #earthquake #Japan pic.twitter.com/PpYecxQIQt
— Breaking News (@PlanetReportHQ) August 8, 2024
The earthquakes occurred less than 20 miles off the coast of Miyazaki, with the second quake striking less than a minute after the first. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has confirmed the magnitude and location of the quakes, which were centered in the Hyuga-Nada Sea.
ALSO READ: 3 Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna cancelled over possible IS-like attacks
In Miyazaki, NHK reported that the initial waves had reached the coast, with more expected to follow. While there were no reports of significant damage in the Miyazaki offices of NHK, staff members on the second floor experienced difficulty maintaining their balance during the tremors. The police chief of Nichinan noted that no buildings in the area appeared to have collapsed.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 occurred in the Hyūga-nada Sea at a depth of 30 km in Japan. A tsunami with a height estimated to reach up to 1 meter is expected due to the earthquake. Warnings have been issued.#Miyazaki #earthquake #Japan #tsunami #TegevajaroMiyazaki pic.twitter.com/5j7qYEaF14
— Sunder Singh Bisht (@SunderSingh0912) August 8, 2024
Both Kyushu Electric Power Company and Shikoku Electric Power Company have confirmed that their nuclear power plants are operating normally. The Kyushu Electric Power Company reported no issues at its facilities, while Shikoku Electric Power Company stated there were no changes in radiation levels at the Ikata nuclear power plant in Ehime Prefecture.
Miyazaki Airport operations have been suspended due to the earthquakes, with departures and arrivals halted as officials conduct safety checks. Airport personnel are currently inspecting for any abnormalities or damage.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as aftershocks and further developments unfold.
