Magnitude 6.9 earthquake hits Japan, triggers tsunami warnings/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Kyushu, Japan, on January 13, 2025, triggering warnings to the tsunami for Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures. Waves of up to 3.2 meters have been reported. Damage assessments are ongoing and the region remains on high alert due to Japan’s location on the seismically active “Ring of Fire.”
Earthquake and tsunami warnings in Japan: quick overview
- Event: A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Kyushu, in southwest Japan.
- Hour : Occurred at 9:19 a.m. local time on January 13, 2025.
- Epicenter: Miyazaki Prefecture, at a depth of 37 kilometers (23 miles).
- Tsunami warnings: Issued for Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures; waves of 3.2 feet were reported.
- Impact: Damage assessments are pending.
- Context: Japan’s position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” increases its vulnerability to seismic activity.
- Recent risks: Experts had already warned of a potential “mega-earthquake” with devastating effects.
Magnitude 6.6 earthquake hits Japan, triggers tsunami warnings
Deep look
A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake shook the Kyushu region of southwestern Japan on January 13, 2025, triggering tsunami warnings throughout the affected area. According to the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC), the earthquake occurred at 9:19 a.m. local time and originated at a depth of 37 kilometers. Japan’s weather agency quickly issued warnings for Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures, where residents were urged to remain vigilant for potential dangers.
The agency reported that tsunami waves had already reached the southwest coast of Japan, with the highest waves recorded at an estimated height of 3.2 feet. Authorities are still assessing the extent of the damage caused by the quake and the tsunami that followed.
Japan’s seismic vulnerability
Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” This region is known for its high tectonic activity, with frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Geological instability makes events such as the Kyushu earthquake a recurring concern for residents and authorities.
Last August, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a stark warning of the possibility of a catastrophic “mega-earthquake.” The consequences could be devastating. In a worst-case scenario, experts predict a massive tsunami with waves up to 100 meters high, which could cause more than 300,000 deaths along Japan’s coasts. Although the current earthquake does not fall into this category, it serves as a grim reminder of the ever-present risks.
Preparation and response
The Japanese government maintains a robust disaster response system, regularly conducting drills and updating infrastructure to withstand seismic activity. However, events like this highlight the challenges of predicting and comprehensively mitigating natural disasters in a region as volatile as the Pacific Basin.
For now, authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to remain cautious as aftershocks or another tsunami could occur. The focus remains on ensuring safety and providing support to those affected.
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