A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck southwestern Japan on Thursday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The tremor, which hit at approximately 4:43 p.m. local time (0743 GMT), was centered off the coast of Miyazaki prefecture on the western island of Kyushu.
Following the earthquake, tsunami advisories were issued, and public broadcaster NHK reported that waves up to 50 cm (20 inches) had already been observed in Miyazaki. Despite the strength of the quake, there were no immediate reports of significant damage.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi informed reporters that there were no abnormalities detected at nuclear power plants in the affected area. The government is actively assessing the situation for any potential damage or casualties.
