7.1 magnitude earthquake hits Japan's southern coast; tsunami advisory issued
A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck off the southern coast of Japan on Thursday, prompting tsunami alerts to be issued. The earthquake occurred at 4:43pm local time and was centered off Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu, the country's third largest and most southwestern island, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Tsunami advisory predicts waves up to 3.3 feet
The JMA has issued a tsunami advisory predicting waves of up to 3.3 feet along the southern coast of Kyushu and the nearby island of Shikoku. "Tsunamis will strike repeatedly. Please do not enter the sea or approach the coast until the warning is lifted," warned the JMA on social media. Waves as high as 20-inch have already been observed in Miyazaki, public broadcaster NHK reported.
USGS reports earthquake's depth at about 30km
There were reports of broken windows at Miyazaki airport near the epicenter and three people were reportedly hurt in Miyazaki, but no details were given about their injuries The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake struck at a depth of about 30km. The USGS initially reported two strong quakes, with magnitudes of 6.9 and 7.1, but later confirmed there had only been one tremor.
USGS issues yellow alert for estimated economic losses
The USGS gave the earthquake a yellow alert for estimated economic losses, indicating "some damage is possible." It also issued a green alert for estimated fatalities, suggesting "there is a low likelihood of [shaking-related] casualties." Japan sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," the line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean, and is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries. An earthquake on January 1 in Japan's north-central region of Noto left more than 240 people dead.
