Powerful earthquake struck Japan

Tengrinews.kz - A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the southwest of Japan. Immediately after, a tsunami warning was issued for the region. The warning has since been lifted, according to NHK.

According to Japan's Meteorological Agency, the earthquake occurred shortly after 9:19 PM local time, leading to a tsunami warning for Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu Island and for the southern Kochi prefecture.

The initial tsunami wave, about one meter high, reached the shore within 30 minutes of the earthquake.

Authorities lifted the tsunami warning late on Monday evening but still strongly advised locals to stay away from the sea and the coast, warning that second and third waves could be higher than the first.

According to meteorologists, rockfalls and falling stones may still pose a threat to residents if earthquakes of similar magnitude occur in the area.

Most of Japan is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of intense seismic and volcanic activity.

In 2011, Japan experienced the deadliest earthquake and subsequent tsunami in its modern history. Occurring northwest of the capital Tokyo, it claimed at least 20,000 lives. The 9.1 magnitude earthquake in Tohoku triggered a massive tsunami and a nuclear disaster, destroying homes, flooding cities, and leaving survivors deeply traumatized.