Powerful Earthquake Strikes Off Japan's Southern Coast, Prompts Tsunami Advisory

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake off Japan's southern coast triggered a tsunami advisory. Residents were advised to stay away from the coastline, and no immediate injuries or serious damage were reported. The Japan Meteorological Agency noted the epicentre was near Kyushu island. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

A powerful earthquake struck off Japan's southern coast on Thursday, triggering a tsunami advisory. Residents were urged to stay away from the coastline, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or serious damage.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake registered magnitude 7.1 and was centred in waters off the eastern coast of Japan's southern main island of Kyushu at a depth of about 30 kilometres (18.6 miles).

Tsunami waves of up to 50 centimetres (1.6 feet) were detected along parts of Kyushu's southern coast and the nearby island of Shikoku about a half-hour after the quake struck. Seismologists are analysing whether the quake affected the nearby Nankai Trough, the source of past devastating earthquakes.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said officials were assessing possible injuries or damage, though none were immediately reported. He urged residents of the affected region to stay away from the coastline.

Japan's NHK public television said there were reports of broken windows at the Miyazaki airport near the epicentre, while the Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that all 12 nuclear reactors on Kyushu and Shikoku remained safe.

Earthquakes in areas with nuclear power plants are a major concern since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Japan, located on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries.