Japan Earthquake Tsunami Warning – Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Cancels Central Asia Trip Amid Risk of Major Pacific Coast Earthquake.
7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Southwestern Japan, Triggering Tsunami Warnings and Prompting Major Precautions
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Thursday, prompting tsunami warnings for several western islands and causing minor injuries. The tremor occurred off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture at 4:42 PM local time (7:42 AM GMT) at a depth of approximately 18 miles (29 km), according to Japan’s meteorological agency.
Initial reports listed the quake’s magnitude as 6.9, but it was later revised to 7.1. Nine people on Kyushu Island sustained mostly minor injuries, and while there was no serious damage, tsunami advisories were issued and later lifted. Residents in the coastal Kochi and Miyazaki prefectures were evacuated as a precaution.
The earthquake led to an emergency meeting of seismologists who raised the risk level for major quakes associated with the Nankai Trough, an ocean-floor trench along Japan’s Pacific coast. This prompted Japan’s Meteorological Agency to issue its first-ever warning of a high probability of a massive earthquake in this region.
In response to the heightened risk
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida canceled his planned visit to Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia, to prepare for any potential disaster. The trip was scheduled from Friday to Monday, but some meetings may be held online.
The advisory, which indicated a higher probability of a significant earthquake, does not confirm its occurrence but suggests increased vigilance. The Japan infrastructure ministry estimates a 70-80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 quake occurring in the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years.
Social media has reported minor damage, with unverified videos showing shaking structures and a 20-inch surge at Miyazaki Port. The Japanese government has established a special task force in response, but there are no immediate reports of major damage. Japan’s stringent building standards and disaster preparedness remain critical as the country continues to face seismic activity, with around 1,500 earthquakes recorded annually.
Japan’s worst earthquake, a 9.0 magnitude event in 2011, triggered a devastating tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear disaster, marking one of the most severe natural and nuclear accidents in history.