Japan Meteorological Agency tsunami advisories

Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake in Hyuga-nada Sea Prompts Tsunami Advisory for Miyazaki, Kochi

Jan 13, 2025, 01:48 PM

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan, with the epicenter located in the Hyuga-nada Sea. The earthquake, which occurred at around 9:19 p.m. local time, was felt with a maximum intensity of lower 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale in Miyazaki City, Takanabe Town, and Shintomi Town. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) initially issued a tsunami advisory for Miyazaki and Kochi Prefectures, with expected wave heights of up to 1 meter. However, the advisory was lifted at 11:50 p.m. after no significant tsunami activity was observed. The JMA also convened an assessment meeting to investigate any potential connection to a Nankai Trough earthquake, but concluded that the likelihood of a massive earthquake had not increased relative to normal times. The agency advised residents in the affected areas to remain cautious of minor sea level changes for a few hours following the lifting of the advisory.