Powerfull Earthquake in Japan today

On August 8, 2024, a powerful earthquake in Japan with a magnitude of 7.1 struck off the southern coast of Japan, particularly affecting the island of Kyushu. The earthquake was followed by a tsunami advisory, urging residents to stay away from the coastline. Tsunami waves of up to 50 centimeters were detected in some areas, and a one-meter tsunami was initially feared for parts of Kyushu and Shikoku.

The earthquake occurred off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture on the main island of Kyushu at 4:42 p.m. local time (3:42 a.m. ET), at a depth of about 18 miles, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Three people were injured, according to Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi. However, he mentioned that there were no power outages or issues with water and communication systems in the area. Police in Miyazaki Prefecture reported 10 cases of damage. Hayashi advised people to avoid the coastline.

The earthquake caused some structural damage, such as broken windows and collapsed walls, but there were no reports of serious injuries or widespread destruction. However, nine people sustained minor injuries, mostly due to falls or being struck by objects during the quake. Authorities have warned of potential aftershocks in the coming days.

This event also raised concerns about the Nankai Trough, a seismic zone that has the potential to produce a much larger earthquake in the future