On August 8, a powerful earthquake struck off the southern coast of Japan, prompting a tsunami advisory and warnings for residents to avoid coastal areas. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, with its epicenter located in the waters off the eastern coast of Kyushu, Japan’s southern main island, at a depth of around 30 kilometers (18.6 miles).
Nichinan city and nearby areas in Miyazaki prefecture on Kyushu island experienced the strongest shaking. Shortly after the quake, tsunami waves measuring up to 50 centimeters (1.6 feet) were observed along parts of Kyushu’s southern coastline and on the nearby island of Shikoku.
In response to the quake, seismologists convened an emergency meeting to assess whether it had impacted the nearby Nankai Trough, a region known for generating powerful earthquakes in the past.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that officials were evaluating the situation for potential injuries or damage, although none were reported initially. He advised residents in the affected areas to remain cautious and stay clear of the coastline.
Shigeki Aoki, an official from the Seismology Department, warned that strong aftershocks could be expected over the next week. Meanwhile, Japan’s NHK public television reported that windows at Miyazaki airport, near the quake’s epicenter, were shattered, leading to a temporary closure of the airport’s runway for safety inspections.
In Osaki, located in the neighboring Kagoshima prefecture, there were reports of concrete walls collapsing and a wooden house being damaged, but fortunately, no injuries occurred.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that all 12 nuclear reactors on Kyushu and Shikoku, including three that are currently operational, were unaffected and remained safe.
The incident has renewed concerns about earthquakes in regions with nuclear power plants, a sensitive issue for Japan since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which was caused by a massive earthquake and tsunami.
Japan, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. The recent quake adds to a series of seismic events in the country, including one in January that claimed more than 240 lives in the north-central region of Noto.
