A strong earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale jolted the Kyushu region in southwestern Japan on Monday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The tremor struck Miyazaki Prefecture, registering a lower 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale of 0 to 7 in the most affected areas.
Residents in Miyazaki and neighboring Kochi Prefecture are on alert as the JMA has issued a tsunami advisory for the coastal regions. Authorities are urging people to stay away from the shore and prepare for possible aftershocks.
“The safety of our residents is our top priority,” said a local official. “We advise everyone to remain cautious and follow updates from official channels.”
Japan is situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. The nation enforces strict building codes designed to withstand seismic events, but powerful earthquakes can still pose significant risks.
As the situation develops, residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor local news and follow any safety instructions from authorities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
