Powerful Quake Strikes Japan, Tsunami Alert Issued
A significant earthquake shook parts of southern Japan late Tuesday night, triggering a tsunami advisory for several coastal regions. The magnitude 7.3 quake struck near the island of Kyushu around 11:36 pm local time at a depth of about 55 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Shaking was felt across large portions of southern Japan, including the major population centers of Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Nagasaki. Preliminary reports indicate strong shaking lasted for at least 30 seconds in many areas. Local authorities swiftly issued a tsunami advisory for the prefectures of Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Nagasaki following the sizable quake. Residents in low-lying coastal regions were urged to move to higher ground or evacuation shelters as a precautionary measure.
No major damage has been reported so far, but emergency crews are actively assessing the situation. Several aftershocks over magnitude 5 have been recorded in the aftermath, continuing to rattle nerves. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned that coastal areas could see tsunami waves up to 3 meters high impacting shorelines near the quake's epicenter for the next day or two. Officials will be on high alert monitoring sea level changes.
This region of Kyushu Island near the volatile boundary where two tectonic plates meet has a history of generating strong earthquakes. In April 2016, a magnitude 7.0 shock struck nearby, disrupting local infrastructure and causing multiple injuries. Emergency responders will be keeping a close watch on transportation links, buildings and utility lines over the coming hours and days. More details will be provided as further scientific analysis is completed of this significant seismic event.
