In a significant geological event, southern Japan faced a potential natural disaster as two strong earthquakes struck off the coast on Thursday afternoon, prompting a tsunami advisory for the regions of Kyushu and Shikoku. The quakes, with magnitudes of 6.9 and 7.1, were reported less than a minute apart, heightening concerns for the affected areas.
Details of the Earthquakes in Japan
- Location: The first earthquake occurred less than 20 miles off the coast of Miyazaki on the island of Kyushu.
- Magnitude: 6.9 followed by a stronger 7.1 magnitude.
- Impact: The quakes caused noticeable shaking, with reports indicating that people inside buildings struggled to stand, though no major structural damage or collapses were immediately reported.
Tsunami Advisory and Response
The Japan Meteorological Agency quickly issued a tsunami advisory for coastal regions, specifically targeting the prefectures of Miyazaki, Kochi, and other nearby areas. The expected wave height was around one meter, which, while not catastrophic, poses risks of capsizing small vessels and endangering those near the coast.
NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, confirmed that the first waves began arriving on the coast of Miyazaki about half an hour after the earthquakes. Residents in the affected areas were advised to evacuate to higher ground or leave coastal regions until further notice.
On-the-Ground Reports
At the time of the earthquakes, Kyodo News reported that visitors to the Peace Park in Nagasaki were alerted to the tremors, and despite the noticeable shaking, no immediate injuries or damages were observed.
NHK also reported from inside its offices in Miyazaki that while the shaking was severe, with objects swaying and people struggling to stand, no significant damage was evident. The police chief of Nichinan, a city in Kyushu, confirmed that no buildings had collapsed, though assessments were ongoing.
Nuclear Safety and Power Infrastructure
In response to concerns about nuclear safety, the Kyushu Electric Power Company reported that all its nuclear power plants in the region were operating normally and were not affected by the earthquakes. This assurance helped mitigate some of the immediate fears regarding potential nuclear incidents following the quakes.
As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor the potential for additional waves and any further seismic activity in the region. The priority remains ensuring the safety of residents and minimizing the impact of these powerful geological events.
KaranRathod
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