A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the southwestern coast of Japan late Monday, prompting a tsunami advisory for the Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures, according to Japan's Meteorological Agency. The earthquake, which occurred at approximately 9:19 p.m. local time, was centered offshore at a depth of about 19 miles.
The agency issued the advisory with expected tsunami heights of about one meter (approximately three feet), urging caution in the affected areas. Local residents were advised to avoid approaching the coastline and to remain alert until the advisory is lifted.
The earthquake was registered as a lower 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale, which ranges from 0 to 7. This level of intensity typically causes significant indoor shaking and can lead to minor structural damage. Despite the severity, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties as officials continued to assess the situation.
In Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu Island and Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island, local authorities activated emergency protocols. Coastal communities, including fishing towns and tourist areas, were particularly attentive to the advisory, which remained in place late into the night.
