Quake with 7.1 magnitude hits western Japan, tsunami alerts issued

The red X marks where an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 hit southwestern Japan on Thursday. Photo: Japan Meteorological Agency

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 hit southwestern Japan on Thursday, triggering tsunami advisories, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said, but there were no immediate signs of major damage.

There have been no reports of abnormalities at nuclear power plants following the quake, and the government is checking for damage and casualties, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters.

The quake occurred about 4.43pm (0743 GMT) off Miyazaki prefecture on the western major island of Kyushu, the JMA said.

In Miyazaki, waves as high as 50cm have already been observed, public broadcaster NHK said.

More to come.

- Reuters