Twin Earthquakes Off Southern Japan Trigger Tsunami Warnings

On Thursday, southern Japan experienced a significant seismic event as a 6.9-magnitude earthquake, quickly followed by a 7.1 tremor, struck off the coast. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the initial quake at 4:42 pm (0742 GMT) at a depth of 33 kilometers, approximately 29 kilometers southeast of Miyazaki on the Kyushu island. The second tremor hit less than a minute later at a depth of 26 meters and was located 20 kilometers northeast of Miyazaki.

In response, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning, with predictions of tsunamis up to one meter potentially affecting coastal areas in the Kyushu and Shikoku islands. National broadcaster NHK reported that these tsunamis were expected to arrive or may have already reached some coastal regions.

The agency took to social media platform X to caution residents, stating, “Tsunamis will strike repeatedly. Please do not enter the sea or approach the coast until the warning is lifted.”

While there have been no immediate reports of damage, the Japanese government has proactively established a special task force to address the situation and coordinate any necessary response efforts.