Japan issues tsunami warning: powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.1 hits southern Japan

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the southern island of Kyushu on Thursday, triggering a tsunami and prompting immediate action by the Japanese government. The earthquake, which occurred off the eastern coast of Kyushu, was recorded at a depth of about 30 kilometers, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

According to reports, the tremors led to a tsunami that reached the western Miyazaki prefecture. The JMA issued a tsunami warning for the southern coast of Kyushu and nearby Shikoku island, forecasting waves of up to 1 meter. Residents in these areas were urged to remain vigilant and move to higher ground if necessary.

Tsunami warnings were issued for several coastal regions, including Miyazaki, Oita, Kagoshima, Kochi and Ehime prefectures. Authorities are urging residents and visitors to these areas to leave the water and coastal areas immediately.

In response to the seismic event, the Japanese government quickly created a special task force to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency response, according to reports. While there were no immediate reports of major damage, authorities remain vigilant as they assess the earthquake's impact and the likelihood of further aftershocks. At this time, the situation remains under close monitoring. The government and meteorological services are constantly informing the public about safety measures. Residents of affected areas are advised to follow official guidance.

Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonic belt known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The country experiences about 1,500 earthquakes every year, most of them minor. However, the damage caused by these tremors depends on their location and depth.

The Pacific Ring of Fire is home to several tectonic plates, including the Pacific Plate, Eurasian Plate, and Indo-Australian Plate. These plates constantly interlock and collide, making Japan particularly vulnerable to seismic events. The country's strict building codes and disaster preparedness measures have been designed to minimize the impact of such disasters.

The country is currently preparing for possible aftershocks and continues to monitor consequences of the tsunami.

Source: timesofindia