6.9 magnitude earthquake strikes Japan, triggers tsunami warning

An earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter Scale struck the Kyushu region in southwestern Japan on Monday, The Associated Press reported, citing the country's meteorological agency.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the earthquake occurred in Miyazaki Prefecture at 9:29 pm (local time), and had an intensity of lower 5 on the Japanese scale of 0 to 7 in the hardest-hit areas, NHK reported.

The earthquake's depth was situated at a depth of 37 km, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

On August 8 last year, two powerful earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.9 and 7.1 struck Japan, shaking the southwestern islands of Kyushu and Shikoku. Authorities issued a tsunami warning for several regions but no reports of damage or casualties were reported.

A massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Suzu, Wajima and surrounding areas in Japan on January 1, 2024, killing more than 300 people.

Japan is prone to earthquakes due to its location at the intersection of several tectonic plates. The country is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region where frequent seismic activity occurs.

TIBET EARTHQUAKES KILLED 126

The earthquake in Japan came after six quakes, including a powerful 7.1 magnitude tremor, struck Tibet on January 7, killing 126 people and leaving a trail of destruction, with several houses flattened. More than 300 people suffered injuries.

The seismic activity, centred in Tibet's Tingri County, caused widespread panic as buildings swayed across the region, with tremors felt as far away as India, Nepal and Bhutan.