Tsunami warning after huge earthquake in Japan
Japan was hit by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake on Monday causing two small tsunamis to form.
The quake was at a depth of 23 miles and mainly hit the southwestern Kyushu region, said the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre.
The quake struck at 9.19 pm local time, according to the agency.
Tsunami warnings were issued shortly after for Miyazaki Prefecture, where the temblor was centred, in the southwestern island of Kyushu.
A warning was also issued for the nearby Kochi Prefecture.
Masamasa Sato, chief of the crisis management department of Takanabe Town Hall in Miyazaki Prefecture, said: “The shaking was so strong that it was difficult to stand for about 20 to 30 seconds.”
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned of possible tsunami waves of up to one metre (three feet) and urged the public to stay away from coastal waters.
“Tsunami can strike repeatedly. Please do not enter the sea or go near coastal areas,” the JMA said on X.
Two small tsunamis of around 20 centimetres were detected at two ports in the region, the weather agency said.
Local media reported no immediate injuries, with live television feeds from the region on public broadcaster NHK showing no visible damage as well as calm seas, vessels operating and traffic running normally.