6.6 magnitude earthquake hits Japan, small tsunami

(CLO) Japan Meteorological Agency The weather agency said a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Monday, with no reports of casualties or damage yet, and small tsunamis were recorded in some areas of Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures.

The agency said the quake struck shortly after 9:19 p.m. Monday local time, prompting a warning for Miyazaki prefecture, on the island of Kyushu, as well as Kochi prefecture in southern Japan.

According to Japanese broadcaster NHK TV, an initial tsunami wave about 1 meter high hit land within 30 minutes of the earthquake.

Map of the location and areas affected by the earthquake. (Source: Japan Meteorological Agency)

Authorities later lifted the tsunami warning late on Monday night but still urged locals to stay away from the sea and near the coast - warning that the second and third waves could be higher than the first.

Cliff collapses and falling rocks could still pose a threat to people if an earthquake of the same magnitude occurs in the area, according to weather officials.

“Earthquakes can happen at any time and it is important to ensure earthquake preparedness is carried out on a daily basis,” officials said at a press conference.

Much of Japan lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire - an area of ​​intense seismic and volcanic activity - making it prone to frequent earthquakes.

Last summer, Japan's weather agency issued a powerful earthquake warning after earthquakes hit several areas in western Japan, where Monday's quake also occurred.

In 2011, the deadliest earthquake and tsunami in recent Japanese history struck northwest of Tokyo, killing at least 20,000 people. The 9.1 magnitude Tohoku earthquake led to a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Bui Huy (according to NHK, Kyodo, CNN)

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