A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck southwestern Japan on Thursday, prompting tsunami advisories. Despite the quake’s intensity, there were no immediate reports of significant damage, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The earthquake hit at approximately 4:43 PM local time (0743 GMT) off the coast of Miyazaki prefecture on Kyushu, Japan’s western major island. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi assured reporters that no abnormalities have been detected at nuclear power plants in the affected area. The government is actively checking for any damage or casualties.
Public broadcaster NHK reported that waves up to 50 cm (20 inches) have already been observed in Miyazaki.