Tsunami Advisory Issued After 7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Near Japan’s Kyushu Coast, Sparking Megaquake Concerns

Japan experienced a significant 7.1-magnitude earthquake off the southern coast near Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. The earthquake, which struck at a depth of about 18 miles, led the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a tsunami advisory and prompted the government to warn about the possibility of a future “megaquake.”

While there were no immediate reports of severe damage or widespread injuries, the event has raised concerns due to Japan’s vulnerability to earthquakes, particularly in the context of its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”

The earthquake resulted in minor injuries to three individuals and caused limited damage in Miyazaki Prefecture, including reports of landslides and malfunctioning traffic lights. Despite these incidents, there were no power outages or significant disruptions to water or communication systems.

Authorities, including Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, have urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid coastal areas, highlighting the potential risk of further seismic activity.

In response to the earthquake, seismologists convened an emergency meeting to assess whether the quake had influenced the nearby Nankai Trough, a region known for generating devastating earthquakes.

While the meteorological agency issued a “mega earthquake caution,” they clarified that this did not indicate an imminent large quake but rather a higher-than-usual risk. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the need for citizens to stay informed, review their earthquake preparedness plans, and be ready to evacuate if necessary.

The tsunami advisory issued after the earthquake advised residents of coastal areas in Kochi and Miyazaki prefectures to evacuate temporarily. Although the tsunami waves did not exceed 1.6 feet, minor surges were observed along Kyushu’s southern coast and Shikoku island. In Miyazaki Port, a surge of 20 inches was reported.

The overall damage remained minimal, with some broken windows, temporary closure of an airport runway for inspection, and damage to infrastructure such as concrete walls and a wooden house in neighboring Kagoshima Prefecture.

Given Japan’s history with earthquakes, especially the 2011 Fukushima disaster, the safety of nuclear facilities remains a top concern.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that all 12 nuclear reactors on Kyushu and Shikoku were unaffected and operating safely. Japan’s earthquake preparedness continues to be a critical issue as the country regularly faces the threat of seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”