Magnitude 6.9 earthquake rattles Japan, sparks tsunami warnings

January 13, 2025 journo

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 has hit south-western Japan, the country’s Meteorological Agency says, while warning the public to stay away from coastal areas because of a tsunami threat.

Tsunami warnings were issued for Miyazaki Prefecture, where the temblor was centred, in the south-western island of Kyushu, as well as nearby Kochi Prefecture, shortly after the quake struck at 9.19pm on Monday (11.19pm AEDT), according to the agency.

There were no immediate reports of damage. Residents in the coastal city in Kochi were told to evacuate as a precautionary measure.

An earthquake hit Miyazaki Prefecture in south-western Japan on Monday, January 13, 2024, sparking a tsunami warning. (Japan Meteorological Agency)

Public broadcaster NHK TV said a tsunami, estimated to be as high as one metre high, reached land within 30 minutes of the quake.

The waters detected at Miyazaki Port measured 20 centimetres high, the reports said.

The quake, centred at a depth of 30 kilometres, shook a wide area in Kyushu, the southwestern main island, Japan’s Meteorological Agency said.

Japan is frequently hit by earthquakes because of its location along the Ring of Fire, an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin.

NHK TV footage showed moving traffic and well-lit streets, meaning that electric power was still working.

No problems were detected at the various monitoring posts for nuclear plants in the area.