TOKYO — A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 struck off Japan’s southwestern coast Monday evening, triggering tsunami warnings for coastal regions and prompting authorities to urge immediate evacuation of low-lying areas.
The quake hit at 9:19 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located in Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu island, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The tremor’s depth and intensity raised concerns about potential tsunami threats to coastal communities.
Officials issued tsunami warnings for both Miyazaki Prefecture and neighboring Kochi Prefecture, with authorities taking to social media to warn residents of the dangers. “Tsunami can strike repeatedly. Please do not enter the sea or go near coastal areas,” the JMA announced on X, formerly Twitter.
The earthquake comes as the latest seismic event to affect Japan, which sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” known for its intense geological activity. The country maintains one of the world’s most sophisticated earthquake early warning systems, following lessons learned from past disasters.
Emergency response teams have been mobilized, though the full extent of damage remains unclear as officials conduct initial assessments. Local authorities are coordinating evacuation efforts in potentially affected areas.
This is a developing story.