TOKYO – A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan on Thursday, prompting a tsunami warning for coastal areas.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the alert for regions on the southern islands of Kyushu and Shikoku, including Miyazaki and Kochi. The quake occurred less than 20 miles from Miyazaki’s coast, according to the US Geological Survey.
There are no reports yet of casualties or injuries from Japan’s state broadcaster.
Japan’s high risk for earthquakes is due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where major tectonic plates meet. The country experiences frequent seismic activity due to subduction zones, fault lines, and volcanic activity.