A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake jolted southwest Japan on Sunday evening, prompting the Meteorological Agency to issue a tsunami advisory. The quake struck at 9:19 p.m. local time (7:19 a.m. ET), shaking the seas off the coast near Miyazaki province on Kyushu Island and the southern Kochi prefecture.
Residents have been urged to steer clear of the coastline and stay out of the water until the advisory is lifted. The agency cautioned that tsunami waves as high as one meter (three feet) could lash the shores, with the risk of repeated surges compounding the threat. “Tsunami can strike multiple times. Please avoid the sea and coastal areas,” the agency advised in a statement on X.
Although the U.S. Geological Survey downgraded the quake’s magnitude slightly to 6.8 and assured there’s “no tsunami threat,” Japanese authorities remain on high alert. Their warning underscores the unpredictability of natural disasters in a region accustomed to seismic activity.
The tremor has reignited memories of past disasters, reminding coastal communities of the fine line between calm seas and catastrophe. Emergency measures have been mobilized to monitor the situation and ensure public safety. For now, residents await further updates, mindful of the unpredictable nature of tsunamis and the lingering potential for aftershocks.
As the advisory remains in effect, Japan’s resilience and readiness are once again being put to the test, reinforcing the nation’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding its people from the fury of nature.
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