A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 struck southwestern Japan on Monday evening, the country’s Meteorological Agency reported. The quake occurred at 9:19 p.m. local time and was centered in Miyazaki Prefecture on the southwestern island of Kyushu. Tsunami warnings were promptly issued for Miyazaki and the neighboring Kochi Prefecture, raising concerns about potential coastal impacts.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, but the full extent of the damage and any potential casualties remain unclear at this time. Residents in the affected regions were urged to stay vigilant and follow official safety instructions as aftershocks are possible.
Japan, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is highly prone to earthquakes due to its position along a tectonic plate boundary that experiences frequent seismic activity. This geological setting makes the country one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world, often leading to stringent building codes and preparedness measures.