A powerful earthquake measuring 6.9 struck off southern Japan on August 8, 2024, prompting a tsunami warning with waves up to one meter high along the coast of Kyushu.

The earthquake occurred at 4:42 PM local time near Miyazaki Prefecture at a depth of approximately 29 kilometers, making it feel stronger due to its shallow depth.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged residents to stay alert for potential aftershocks.

Yoshimasa Hayashi, the government’s chief cabinet secretary, stated that the government is evaluating the situation for damage and casualties.

Three people sustained injuries, primarily from falls or being struck by objects during the quake, but there were no major blackouts or significant infrastructure damage reported.

Damage included broken windows at Miyazaki airport, which temporarily closed its runway for safety checks, and reports of collapsed concrete walls in Osaki, Kagoshima, although no injuries were recorded there.

All 12 nuclear reactors in Kyushu and Shikoku were confirmed safe by the Nuclear Regulation Authority, with operators conducting damage assessments and reporting no immediate abnormalities.

Officials from the Japan Meteorological Agency urged residents along the Nankai Trough to review their earthquake preparedness plans, although there is no immediate danger.

Experts are particularly concerned due to the earthquake's epicenter being near the Nankai Trough, a region known for significant seismic activity, raising fears of a potential mega-earthquake.

Despite the warnings, the Japanese population has shown resilience and composure in the face of natural disasters, reflecting a deep understanding of living in a seismically active region.

The situation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.