“Two Major Earthquakes Strike Off Japan: Reports USGS”, On Thursday, August 8, southern Japan experienced two significant earthquakes, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The first quake registered a magnitude of 6.9, followed by a stronger 7.1-magnitude tremor. The quakes struck offshore, prompting concerns about potential impacts on coastal areas and infrastructure.
Tsunamis of up to 1m in height were expected to arrive or have arrived in some coastal areas of Kyushu and Shikoku islands, broadcaster NHK reported. In Miyazaki prefecture on Kyushu, 20cm high waves had already been observed, according to NHK.
The first quake struck at a depth of 33km followed by a second one nearby at a depth of 25km, the USGS said.
The Japanese government set up a special task force in response to the quakes, according to a statement.
There have been no reports of abnormalities at nuclear power plants following the quakes, and the government is checking for damage and casualties, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters.
Sitting on top of four major tectonic plates along the western edge of the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, Japan is one of the world’s most tectonically active countries.
