Very strong and shallow M7.1 earthquake hits near the coast of Kyushu, Japan
Image credit: TW/SAM, ESRI
A very strong and shallow earthquake registered by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) as M7.1 hit near the coast of Kyushu, Japan at 07:43 UTC on August 8, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 30 km (18.6 miles). USGS is reporting M7.1 at a depth of 25 km (15.5 miles); EMSC M7.1 at a depth of 35 km (21.7 miles).
The epicenter was located 19.6 km (12.2 miles) SSE of Miyazaki (population 398 215), 19.8 km (12.3 miles) NNE of Nichinan (population 51 241), and 39.3 km (24.4 miles) E of Miyakonojō (population 161 137), Miyazaki, Japan.
939 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 1 479 000 strong, 2 808 000 moderate and 4 182 000 light.
Based on all available data, NWS PTWC said there was no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
In an updated message, issued 09:05 UTC, NWS PTWC said hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 300 km (186 miles) of the earthquake epicenter, along the coasts of Japan.
JMA said tsunami waves of up 50 cm (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.
According to AP, seismologists held an emergency meeting to analyze whether the quake had affected the nearby Nankai Trough, the source of past devastating earthquakes.
Strong aftershocks are possible over the next 7 days.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities. There is a low likelihood of casualties.
A Yellow alert for economic losses was issued. Some damage is possible and the impact should be relatively localized. Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of GDP of Japan. Past events with this alert level have required a local or regional level response.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as tsunamis and landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Nine people sustained minor injuries.
Several hours after the quake, JMA issued its first megaquake advisory. The advisory warns that if a major earthquake were to occur in the future, strong shaking and large tsunamis would be generated.
Read more:
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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