Strong Earthquake Strikes Southwestern Japan

On January 13, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture in southwestern Japan, initially triggering a tsunami warning that was later lifted. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake's epicenter was located approximately 11 miles southeast of Miyazaki at a depth of about 19 miles. Following the quake, tsunami advisories indicated possible waves up to one meter; however, only a 20-centimeter wave was recorded in Miyazaki city. The Japan Meteorological Agency noted that this seismic event did not warrant the heightened alert level associated with previous megaquake warnings, despite being in a seismically active area. Fortunately, there were no significant damages reported, and all nuclear power plants in the region showed no abnormalities. Minor injuries were reported, including a man who fell at home during the quake and a woman who fell from a window, highlighting the potential dangers of such natural disasters.