A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck southwestern Japan, prompting a tsunami alert from the Japan Meteorological Agency. While the initial reports indicated small tsunami waves and no immediate damage. Moreover, the authorities urged residents to stay away from coastal areas as a precautionary measure.
A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan late Monday, January 13, 2025, prompting a tsunami alert. The quake was recorded 18 kilometers off the coast of Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu at a depth of 36 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued warnings of potential tsunami waves up to one meter and advised people to avoid coastal areas. Shortly after, smaller tsunamis of around 20 centimeters were detected at two ports, and the alert was lifted by midnight. “A tsunami can strike repeatedly. Please do not enter the sea or go near coastal areas,” the JMA said on X.
Despite the tremor’s strength, damage was minimal. Moreover, local media reported a broken window at a train station and minor items falling from shelves. A man sustained slight injuries after falling in his home. Public broadcaster NHK showed live footage of calm seas, functioning traffic, and normal port operations.
Japan, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually due to its position on four tectonic plates. Strict construction standards and regular earthquake drills help minimize disaster impacts.
The JMA stated that the recent quake did not signal an increased risk for a “megaquake” like the feared Nankai Trough earthquakes. However, officials stressed the importance of preparedness.
Other Haunted Earthquakes In Japan
But the country is haunted by the memory of a massive 9.0-magnitude undersea quake off northeastern Japan in March 2011. It triggered a tsunami that left around 18,500 people dead or missing. The 2011 tsunami also sent three reactors into meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant. This earthquake caused Japan’s worst post-war disaster and the most serious nuclear accident since Chornobyl.
In March 2022, a 7.4-magnitude quake off the coast of Fukushima shook large areas of eastern Japan, killing three people. The capital Tokyo was devastated by a huge earthquake just over a century ago in 1923.
