Southern Japan was rocked by a powerful earthquake on the evening of August 7, 2024. The quake, which registered a magnitude of 7.1, struck at 9:15 PM local time. It sent shockwaves through several prefectures and left residents in fear. The epicenter was located near the southern coast of Kyushu, the country’s third-largest island.
BREAKING: A 7.1 magnitude #earthquake struck southern Japan, triggering a tsunami that has reached western Miyazaki prefecture.
— Beats in Brief (@beatsinbrief) August 8, 2024
The quake, centered off Kyushu's eastern coast at a depth of 30 km, prompted a tsunami warning, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/44BnvaFsqc
A Powerful Shock Felt Across the Region
The earthquake’s strength was felt over a wide area. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the epicenter was approximately 50 kilometers off the coast, near the city of Kagoshima. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers beneath the ocean floor. Due to the shallow depth, the shaking was intense, causing buildings to sway and objects to fall from shelves.
Residents in cities like Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and even parts of Kumamoto and Oita experienced strong tremors. Many people described the quake as one of the strongest they had ever felt. Those living in high-rise buildings reported feeling the shaking for several minutes. Some even said that the quake caused them to lose their balance.
🇯🇵 | NEW IMAGES OF JAPAN EARTHQUAKE 🚨
— Breaking News (@PlanetReportHQ) August 8, 2024
The earthquake initially rated 6.9 has been revised to 7.1. Extensive damage reported and a #tsunami risk remains. #Miyazaki #earthquake #Japan pic.twitter.com/PpYecxQIQt
Immediate Aftermath and Initial Damage Reports
In the hours following the earthquake, reports of damage began to emerge. While there were no immediate reports of fatalities, several people were injured by falling debris. In Kagoshima, a few buildings suffered structural damage. Cracks appeared in the walls of older structures, and some windows were shattered.
In the city of Miyazaki, several roads were damaged, and landslides were reported in rural areas. Emergency services were quick to respond, and rescue teams were dispatched to the most affected areas. Many residents spent the night in evacuation centers, fearing aftershocks.
Widespread Disruption and Power Outages
The earthquake also caused widespread disruption to daily life. In several cities, power outages occurred immediately after the quake. Some areas remained without electricity for hours, as utility companies worked to restore service. Train services were temporarily halted across the region as a precaution. Airports in the affected areas were also briefly closed to check for damage.
Many residents faced challenges in communication as mobile networks were overwhelmed. Some people had difficulty contacting loved ones due to the high volume of calls. Authorities advised people to use text messages and social media to communicate.
Tsunami Warning and Subsequent All-Clear
Following the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued for the southern coast of Kyushu. Authorities warned residents to move to higher ground as a precaution. In coastal towns, people were seen rushing to evacuation points. The memory of past tsunamis, such as the devastating one in 2011, was fresh in many minds.
Fortunately, the tsunami warning was lifted about an hour later. The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that no significant wave was generated. The all-clear signal allowed people to return home, although many remained on edge, fearing aftershocks.
40 minutes Ago a 7.1 #Magnitude #Earthquake hit the southern #Japanese island of #Kyushu near #Miyasaki
— Fanatico Football (@fanatico_japan) August 8, 2024
Multiple Damages are Reported and a #tsunami warning is Aktive
Multiple Aftershocks are expected
Please stay safe and Follow the instructions #Japan #sge #tokyo #NHK pic.twitter.com/UtARM67MyW
Government Response and Public Reaction
Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, addressed the nation shortly after the quake. He assured the public that the government was doing everything possible to assess the situation and assist those affected. He also urged people to remain calm and follow instructions from local authorities.
The public’s reaction to the earthquake was a mix of fear and resilience. Social media was flooded with posts from people sharing their experiences and checking on loved ones. Many expressed relief that the situation was not worse, while others worried about the possibility of more quakes.
Preparedness and Future Precautions
Japan is no stranger to earthquakes, and the country is known for its preparedness. Buildings are constructed to withstand strong quakes, and the public is regularly educated on how to respond during such events. However, the intensity of this earthquake served as a reminder of the constant threat posed by the region’s seismic activity.
Experts are closely monitoring the area for aftershocks, which are common after a quake of this magnitude. People have been advised to stay alert and prepare for potential tremors in the coming days. Emergency services are on high alert, and additional resources have been deployed to assist those in need.
Conclusion: A Close Call, But Preparedness Prevails
The 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck southern Japan was a powerful reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. While the damage was not as severe as it could have been, the event left many shaken. The quick response from authorities and the preparedness of the public played a crucial role in minimizing the impact. As southern Japan begins to recover, the focus will now shift to ensuring that communities are even better prepared for the future.
This earthquake will likely be a topic of discussion in Japan for some time. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of readiness in the face of natural disasters.
