The Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, stated on Thursday afternoon that the impact of the earthquake that hit off Miyazaki Prefecture on the locals is yet to be confirmed.
Japan issued its first warning Thursday about the potential for a “megaquake” after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast, leading to a tsunami advisory. The earthquake occurred near Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu island at 4:42 p.m. local time, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake hit at a depth of approximately 18 miles.
Seismologists held an emergency meeting to assess the impact of the earthquake, particularly its effects on the nearby Nankai Trough, an area known for producing devastating earthquakes. Following the meeting, the JMA issued a “mega earthquake caution,” indicating that while the likelihood of a large earthquake had increased, it did not mean one was imminent. The agency urged residents to remain vigilant over the next week.
“We ask all citizens to carefully check every new information issued by the government, reconfirm their daily earthquake preparedness, and be ready to evacuate immediately in the event of an earthquake,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said during a news briefing.
Shortly after the quake, a tsunami advisory was issued, advising residents in Kochi and Miyazaki prefectures to evacuate coastal areas. The advisory, which is issued when waves are expected to be below 1 meter (3.3 feet), was in place for several hours. Tsunami waves as high as 1.6 feet were observed along Kyushu’s southern coast and on Shikoku island. At Miyazaki Port, waves surged by about 20 inches, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK.
So far, reports of damage have been relatively minor. In Miyazaki Prefecture, authorities received reports of landslides and malfunctioning traffic lights. Some windows at Miyazaki Airport were broken, and the runway was temporarily closed for inspections. In Kagoshima Prefecture, concrete walls collapsed, and a wooden house sustained damage.
Injuries have been reported in the affected areas. Two elderly women were hospitalized after falling, and a female factory worker was injured when she was struck in the back by a falling object.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that all 12 nuclear reactors in Kyushu and Shikoku are operating safely. Concerns about nuclear safety are heightened in Japan, especially following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which was triggered by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and a resulting tsunami.
Japan, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. The nation experiences frequent seismic activity due to its position along this ring of tectonic faults. On January 1, an earthquake in the north-central region of Noto resulted in over 240 fatalities.
As Japan remains on high alert for possible aftershocks or additional seismic activity, the government continues to monitor the situation closely, urging its citizens to stay informed and prepared.
