Japan – A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Monday, January 13, prompting a tsunami advisory for Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures. The tremor occurred at 9:19 p.m. local time, with its epicenter in the Hyuga-Nada Sea, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported.
“This earthquake was assessed as a reverse fault type earthquake…caused by a part of the boundary between the land plate and the Philippine Sea plate in the expected focal area of the Nankai Trough earthquake,” said a JMA spokesperson.
The agency added that seismic activity in the region persists, though the tsunami advisory was lifted later in the evening.
Minimal Damage, Precautionary Measures in Place
While authorities urged residents to avoid coastal areas immediately after the quake, no significant damages or casualties were reported. According to NHK, one man sustained minor injuries after falling on a staircase in Kyushu. Train services at Miyazaki Station were briefly halted as a precautionary measure.
The government estimated that in a worst-case scenario, an earthquake in the Nankai Trough region could result in over 230,000 deaths and destroy 2 million buildings, underscoring the importance of vigilance.
Past Earthquakes and Risk Awareness
This latest tremor follows a 7.6-magnitude earthquake in western Japan last January, which killed over 200 people and damaged 49,000 homes, according to The Guardian. Japan, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences seismic activity due to tectonic plate movements.
“We continue to monitor crustal activity in the Nankai Trough closely,” the JMA said, noting that the region remains a critical area for potential large-scale seismic events.
Tsunami Advisory Lifted
Initial tsunami warnings for waves up to 1 meter were issued for Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures but were later lifted after authorities confirmed no significant rise in sea levels.
Residents have been advised to remain cautious and stay informed through local government updates.
Tweetable Highlights
- “Breaking: 6.9-magnitude earthquake rocks southwestern Japan, tsunami advisory issued for Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures. 🌊 #JapanEarthquake”
- “Japan braces for aftershocks after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake. Experts warn of potential risks in the Nankai Trough region. 🌏 #SeismicActivity”
- “Minor injuries reported as Japan lifts tsunami advisory following a 6.9-magnitude earthquake. Stay safe, stay informed! 🚨 #EarthquakeNews”
- “230,000 lives at risk in a worst-case Nankai Trough quake, Japan Meteorological Agency warns. #EarthquakePreparedness”
- “Japan’s resilience tested again: A 6.9 quake reminds us of the region’s seismic vulnerabilities. 🌏 #NaturalDisasters”
