A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 struck southwestern Japan on Monday at 9:19 PM local time, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The epicenter was located in Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, prompting tsunami warnings for both Miyazaki and the nearby Kochi Prefecture.
The quake’s impact was felt across the region, though the full extent of damage is still being assessed. Emergency services are on high alert, with local authorities urging residents in coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground immediately. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of potential tsunami waves and continues to monitor for aftershocks.
Japan’s location along the Pacific Basin’s “Ring of Fire,” an arc of intense seismic and volcanic activity, makes it one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world. This tectonic vulnerability stems from the convergence of multiple major plates beneath the region, which regularly triggers earthquakes and tsunamis.
As rescue and relief efforts mobilize, officials are emphasizing the importance of vigilance, especially for those in low-lying and coastal areas, until further updates are provided.
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