Image Credit: EMSC

Moments ago, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck 19km SSE of Miyazaki, Japan, at 4:42 pm local time. According to preliminary data, the quake struck at a shallow depth of 8.8km, just a minute after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck 29km ESE of Miyazaki.

The exact magnitude, epicenter, and depth of the quake might be revised within the next few hours or minutes as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies issue their report.

The earthquakes struck populated areas. Towns and cities that felt strong ground shaking include Kirishima, 68 km away, and Kanoya, 72 km from the epicenter. Approximately 23 million people felt one or both earthquakes. Damage to infrastructure and injuries or casualties are expected.

A Tsunami is expected. People should move away from the coast and try to reach higher places as soon as possible. The tsunami alert has been issued for the coastal areas of Miyazaki, Oita, Kochi, Kagoshima, and Ehime prefectures. Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, reported a risk for the sea level to rise by one metre on the Pacific coast of the western islands of Shikoku and Kyushu.

UPDATE: NHK reported that the first waves have reached the Miyazaki coast. More are expected. Extensive damage reported. The Kyushu Electric Power Company reported that their nuclear power plants Sendai Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 and Genkai Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4 have continued operating normally and no abnormalities have been found. Sendai Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1 is currently undergoing a regular inspection.

Published by truthisacommodity

Residing on the small island of Malta, I have developed a keen interest in foreign politics and science and in bringing truth to my audience by providing daily news! Email: info@whatnownews24.com View all posts by truthisacommodity