Tokyo: A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan late Monday, with minor tsunamis detected but no serious damage or casualties reported. The quake hit at a depth of 36 kilometres, about 18 kilometres offshore of Miyazaki prefecture in the Kyushu region at 21:19 local time, 1219 GMT, according to the US Geological Survey.
Tsunami Warnings and Impact: The Japan Meteorological Agency warned the public about tsunami waves with an expected height of one meter, which is equivalent to three feet, and requested the public to move away from coastal regions. JMA warned people of possible multiple waves hitting them as a result of tsunami waves and not to venture out near the sea and coastal regions.
Two small tsunamis, about 20 centimeters were reported at two ports in the affected region. Fortunately, live television coverage from Japan’s public broadcaster NHK showed no visible damage and reported calm seas, active vessels, and normal traffic.
Japan Seismic Activity Background: Japan, which lies in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is considered one of the most seismically active areas on the globe. Every year, 1,500 earthquakes take place, making it the home of 18% of all the earthquakes worldwide. The majority of these tremors are weak but the effects could vary according to the depth and place.
Latest Earthquakes in Japan: The latest one was a 7.5-magnitude quake on New Year’s Day 2024, which devastated the Noto peninsula, killing almost 470 people. Japan is known for a history of powerful seismic events: A 9.0-magnitude quake in March 2011 triggered a tsunami that killed some 18,500 people and caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Preparedness and Building Regulations: Japan maintains strict construction regulations to ensure buildings can withstand strong earthquakes, and the nation regularly conducts emergency drills in preparation for potential major earthquakes. Despite these measures, the country remains cautious after the catastrophic events of 2011 and 2022, as well as the ongoing risks associated with its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The JMA is now investigating any possible connections between Monday’s earthquake and previous seismic activity in the region, especially regarding the Nankai Trough, a major undersea fault line parallel to Japan’s Pacific coast. The advisory on the possibility of a “megaquake” in the area was recently lifted after a previous magnitude 7.1 jolt in 2023.
This latest seismic event has alarmed the residents and the authorities to keep a vigil on future earthquakes and their aftermaths.
