Tsunami warning issued in Japan after back to back earthquakes hit the region

Srinagar, Aug 08: Authorities in Japan issued a tsunami warning to the southern parts of the country including the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku after back to back earthquakes of magnitude of 6.9 and 7.1 rattled the region on Thursday.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the tsunami warning has been issued for the coastal regions of the southern Japanese islands, The New York Times reported.

NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, said the warnings, for an expected height of a meter, were for the Miyazaki, Kochi and other nearby prefectures.

About half an hour later, NHK reported that the first waves had reached the coast of Miyazaki, but more were expected.

As per the United States Geological Survey, the first earthquake hit the region less than 20-miles off the coast of Miyazaki on Kyushu. A stronger earthquake followed a minute later, which was said to be of 7.1 magnitude.

NHK reported that inside its offices in Miyazaki, people were struggling to stand on the second floor. However, it said that nothing has fallen over.

As per the city of Nichinan's police chief, no buildings were collapsed.

The Kyushu Electric Power Company said its nuclear power plants were operating normally.