Lagatar24 Desk
Kyushu: On Thursday, a severe earthquake measuring magnitude 7.1 rocked Kyushu, the southern island of Japan. Initially reported as a magnitude 6.9 by Japanese public broadcaster NHK, the earthquake has also triggered a tsunami that reached the western Miyazaki prefecture.
The Japan Meteorological Agency indicated that the earthquake’s epicenter was located off the eastern coast of Kyushu at a depth of approximately 30 kilometers. In response, the Japanese government has established a special task force to manage the situation, though initial reports indicate no major damage.
Japan, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is highly prone to seismic activity and experiences about 1,500 earthquakes annually. The country is known for its rigorous building standards designed to withstand significant seismic events.
The latest quake follows a devastating earthquake on January 1, which claimed at least 260 lives and caused extensive damage. Japan’s most significant earthquake occurred in March 2011, a magnitude 9.0 undersea tremor that triggered a massive tsunami and led to the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and residents are advised to stay informed about safety measures and updates.