Magnitude 6.9 earthquake rattles southwestern Japan, followed by tsunami advisories
Tokyo, Jan 13: A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 has hit southwestern Japan, the country's Meteorological Agency said Monday, while warning the public to stay away from coastal areas because of a tsunami threat.
Tsunami advisories were issued for Miyazaki Prefecture, where the quake was centred, in the southwestern island of Kyushu, as well as nearby Kochi Prefecture, shortly after the quake struck at 9:19 pm local time, according to the agency.
There were no immediate reports of damage. Residents in the coastal city in Kochi were told to evacuate as a precautionary measure.
Public broadcaster NHK TV said a tsunami, estimated to be as high as 1 metre high, reached land within 30 minutes of the quake. The waters detected at Miyazaki Port measured 20 cm (0.7 feet) high, the reports said.
The quake, centred at a depth of 30 km, shook a wide area in Kyushu, the southwestern main island, Japan's Meteorological Agency said.
Japan is frequently hit by earthquakes because of its location along the “Ring of Fire,” an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin.
NHK TV footage showed moving traffic and well-lit streets, meaning that electric power was still working. No problems were detected at the various monitoring posts for nuclear plants in the area.
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Deeply distressed by loss of lives in Odisha hospital fire incident: President Murmu
New Delhi (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Monday condoled the loss of lives in the fire incident at a hospital in Odisha and prayed for a speedy recovery of the injured.
At least ten patients were killed after a major fire erupted in an ICU in Odisha government-run SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, in the wee hours of Monday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said.
"Deeply distressed by the loss of lives in the tragic fire incident at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured," Murmu said in a post on X.
