Japan Issues Tsunami Advisory After Strong Earthquake

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 hit the Kyushu region in southwestern Japan on Monday, January 13, at 9:19 pm local time, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The earthquake occurred at a depth of 30 kilometers.
Following the tremor, tsunami advisories were issued for waves of up to one meter in Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures. Authorities urged residents in coastal areas of Kochi to evacuate as a precaution, but no major damage has been reported so far.
Magnitude and Earthquake Assessment
The earthquake initially measured 6.9 in magnitude, later revised to 6.6. It occurred about 18 kilometers off Kyushu’s coast, but the quake did not meet the criteria to trigger a megaquake alert for the Nankai Trough. Small tsunami waves were recorded, but no major threats were posed, and all tsunami warnings were lifted by noon.
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Minimal Damage and Casualties
Despite the earthquake, Japan reported minimal damage. A broken window was reported at a train station, and some items fell from store shelves. Media reports mentioned a minor injury, with a man falling in his home. There were no disruptions to sea traffic or operations at nearby nuclear power plants, including the Ikata and Sendai facilities, which reported no abnormalities.
Ring of Fire

Japan, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences approximately 1,500 tremors annually. While most are minor, the severity depends on the earthquake’s depth and location. The JMA had previously warned in August about a possible megaquake linked to the Nankai Trough, following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in the region.
The Nankai Trough Risk
The Nankai Trough, located off Japan’s Pacific coast, is a region known for large and potentially devastating earthquakes. This area experiences massive subduction megathrust earthquakes roughly every 100 to 150 years. In 1946, a major earthquake in the Nankai Trough resulted in over 1,300 deaths, highlighting the significant threat it poses. Experts closely monitor this region for signs of future seismic activity, as these quakes can trigger powerful tsunamis. While Monday’s earthquake was closely watched for any connection to the Nankai Trough, officials from the Japan Meteorological Agency concluded that it did not meet the criteria for an extraordinary seismic event. Nonetheless, Japan remains vigilant, continually assessing the Nankai Trough for any signs of an impending megaquake.
Preparedness and Lessons from the Past
Japan has learned from past disasters, especially the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which killed over 18,500 people and caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The country continues to focus on earthquake preparedness, with strict building codes and regular emergency drills. Authorities emphasized the importance of being vigilant and ready for any potential emergencies in the future.
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