Japan was rattled by two powerful earthquakes on Thursday, leading to immediate tsunami warnings for coastal regions. The tremors, which measured 6.9 and 7.1 in magnitude, struck off the southern coast of Japan, triggering concerns over potential tsunamis that could hit the densely populated coastal areas of the Kyushu and Shikoku islands.
The first earthquake, recorded at a magnitude of 6.9, hit at 4:42 PM local time, approximately 29 kilometers southeast of Miyazaki on the island of Kyushu. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), this quake occurred at a depth of 33 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface. Mere moments later, a second, stronger tremor followed, registering at 7.1 magnitude. This quake struck 20 kilometers northeast of Miyazaki, at a shallower depth of 26 kilometers.
In response to the quakes, Japan’s Meteorological Agency quickly issued a tsunami warning, cautioning that tsunamis as high as one meter could strike the coastal regions of Kyushu and Shikoku. Broadcaster NHK reported that these tsunamis were expected to either have already reached or be on the verge of impacting certain areas. Residents were urgently advised to avoid the sea and stay away from coastal zones until the warnings were officially lifted.
The Japan Meteorological Agency emphasized the ongoing risk, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Tsunamis will strike repeatedly. Please do not enter the sea or approach the coast until the warning is lifted.” This warning served as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by seismic activity in a country that is no stranger to such natural disasters.
At the time of reporting, there were no immediate accounts of damage or casualties resulting from the earthquakes. However, the Japanese government acted swiftly by setting up a special task force to monitor the situation and coordinate any necessary emergency response measures. This proactive approach reflects Japan’s well-practiced readiness in dealing with earthquakes and the associated risks, particularly tsunamis.
Japan, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is one of the most seismically active regions in the world. The country sits atop four major tectonic plates, making it prone to frequent and often severe earthquakes. Annually, Japan experiences about 1,500 earthquakes, accounting for roughly 18% of the world’s total seismic activity. These frequent tremors range from minor quakes to potentially devastating ones, keeping the nation in a constant state of preparedness.
The memory of the catastrophic 2011 earthquake still looms large over Japan. That disaster, a 9.0-magnitude undersea earthquake off the northeastern coast, triggered a massive tsunami that claimed around 18,500 lives. The destruction from that event also led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, one of the worst nuclear accidents in history. The lessons learned from 2011 have driven Japan to develop some of the world’s strictest building codes and most comprehensive disaster response strategies. Buildings in Japan are now constructed to withstand significant seismic forces, and the population is regularly drilled on how to respond in the event of an earthquake.
Despite these precautions, the unpredictability of earthquakes means that each new tremor brings with it a degree of uncertainty and fear. The January 1st earthquake earlier this year, which resulted in the deaths of 260 people on the peninsula, including 30 whose deaths were directly or indirectly related to the quake, was a stark reminder of the ever-present danger.
As Japan grapples with these latest earthquakes, the world watches closely, hoping that the country’s rigorous preparation and response measures will minimize any potential loss of life or property. The next few hours will be crucial in determining the extent of the impact, particularly whether the anticipated tsunamis will cause significant damage along Japan’s vulnerable coastal areas. The Japanese people, well-versed in the resilience needed to face such natural calamities, remain vigilant as they await further developments.
