Japan Issues Tsunami Alert Following Powerful 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck southwestern Japan late Monday night. Despite its power, the quake caused only small tsunamis and did not result in any damage, according to reports.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 36 kilometers and was centered about 18 kilometers off the coast of Miyazaki prefecture in the Kyushu region. The United States Geological Survey recorded the event at 9:19 PM local time (12:19 GMT).

Following the quake, Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami warning, cautioning that waves up to one meter high (approximately three feet) could reach the coastal areas. Officials urged people to stay away from beaches and avoid entering the sea. The agency stated, “Tsunami can strike repeatedly. Please do not enter the sea or go near coastal areas,” in a message posted on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

Two small tsunamis, measuring about 20 centimeters each, were detected at two ports in the affected region. Fortunately, no injuries or damages were immediately reported. Live television coverage on the public broadcaster NHK showed calm seas, normal vessel operations, and no disruptions to traffic in the area.

Japan, a nation located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences some of the most frequent and intense seismic activity in the world. Sitting atop four major tectonic plates, the country records about 1,500 earthquakes annually, making up nearly 18% of the world’s seismic events. Most of these quakes are mild, but the impact depends on factors such as their depth and location.

The nation has experienced devastating earthquakes in its history. On New Year’s Day in 2024, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula, claiming the lives of nearly 470 people, many of whom were elderly. This was Japan’s deadliest quake in over a decade. In August of the previous year, the JMA had warned of an increased chance of a massive “megaquake” after a 7.1-magnitude tremor injured 15 people. Such megaquakes are often linked to subduction megathrust quakes, which can generate enormous tsunamis.

Japan’s strict building regulations are designed to minimize damage during earthquakes, and the country regularly conducts emergency drills to prepare for such events. However, memories of the catastrophic 2011 earthquake and tsunami remain vivid. That 9.0-magnitude undersea quake off northeastern Japan caused a tsunami that left about 18,500 people dead or missing. It also triggered the meltdown of three reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant, marking one of the most serious nuclear accidents since Chernobyl.

More recently, in March 2022, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Fukushima resulted in the deaths of three people and shook much of eastern Japan.

The JMA is currently investigating whether Monday’s earthquake is linked to previous seismic events in the region. Although the tsunami advisory has been lifted, authorities remain vigilant as Japan continues to face the challenges of living in one of the world’s most seismically active regions.

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