A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan late Monday, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue a tsunami advisory in Japan. The advisory warned of potential tsunami waves reaching up to one meter (three feet) and urged residents to avoid coastal waters.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 36 kilometers, approximately 18 kilometers off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture in the Kyushu region, at 9:19 PM local time (12:19 GMT), as reported by the US Geological Survey.
Immediate Response to the Tsunami Advisory
The JMA emphasized caution, stating, “Tsunami can strike repeatedly. Please do not enter the sea or go near coastal areas.” Two small tsunamis, measuring around 20 centimeters, were detected at ports in the region. Despite the advisory, no immediate injuries or significant damage were reported. Live feeds from NHK showed calm seas, normal vessel operations, and traffic running smoothly.
This tsunami advisory in Japan is a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Sitting atop four major tectonic plates along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” Japan experiences approximately 1,500 earthquakes annually, accounting for about 18% of the world’s seismic activity.
Recent Seismic Activity
Japan’s history of earthquakes highlights the importance of vigilance. On New Year’s Day 2024, a 7.5-magnitude quake struck the Noto Peninsula, resulting in the tragic loss of nearly 470 lives. The August 2023 warning of a potential “megaquake” due to a magnitude 7.1 tremor raised additional concerns about future tsunamis.
The latest quake has renewed investigations into its connection with past seismic events, particularly along the Nankai Trough—a critical 800-kilometer undersea fault line parallel to Japan’s Pacific coast. Such zones are known to produce subduction megathrust quakes, often accompanied by destructive tsunamis.
Preparedness and Historical Impact
Japan enforces strict construction regulations designed to withstand powerful earthquakes and conducts regular emergency drills. These measures reflect lessons learned from devastating past events, including the 2011 disaster caused by a 9.0-magnitude undersea quake. That quake triggered a tsunami, leaving 18,500 people dead or missing and causing the Fukushima nuclear meltdown.
In March 2022, a 7.4-magnitude quake near Fukushima resulted in three fatalities and significant disruptions. The memory of the 1923 Tokyo earthquake, which devastated the capital, also underscores the need for ongoing preparedness.
Conclusion
Although the tsunami advisory in Japan issued for this recent earthquake was lifted shortly after, it serves as a stark reminder of the region’s seismic risks. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and heed all warnings to ensure their safety in the face of future earthquakes and tsunamis.