6.9 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan, Tsunami Advisory Issued

On January 13, 2025, at 9:19 PM local time, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck southwestern Japan, with its epicenter located in the Hyuga-Nada Sea off Miyazaki Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami advisory for Miyazaki and nearby Kochi Prefectures, warning of potential waves up to one meter in height. The advisory was later lifted, and no significant damage or injuries have been reported.

Key Details

Earthquake Magnitude and Location: The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.9 and occurred at a depth of 30 kilometers in the Hyuga-Nada Sea, off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture.

Tsunami Advisory: Following the quake, the JMA issued a tsunami advisory for Miyazaki and Kochi Prefectures, forecasting waves up to one meter. The advisory was later lifted without incident.

Impact and Response: A man in Kyushu sustained minor injuries after falling down stairs. Train services in Miyazaki Station were temporarily halted, stranding passengers. A small tsunami of up to 20 centimeters was detected at Miyazaki Port within 30 minutes of the earthquake. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks and to be cautious of landslides and falling objects.

Historical Context

Japan is situated along the “Ring of Fire,” a seismically active region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The Nankai Trough, located off Japan’s southwest Pacific coast, is a significant seismic zone where the Philippine Sea Plate subducts under the Eurasian Plate, potentially causing megaquakes every 100 to 150 years. In August 2024, Japan issued its first-ever advisory on the heightened risk of a Nankai Trough megaquake following a magnitude 7.1 quake. The Japanese government predicts a 70-80% chance of a magnitude 8 to 9 earthquake occurring along the trough in the next 30 years.

Summary of the news