Strong Magnitude 7.0 earthquake strikes off southwest Japan

A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the southwestern coast of Japan early Saturday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said, with Japanese authorities reporting several small tsunamis on at least two islands. Authorities said larger tsunamis were still possible and urged caution more than an hour after the earthquake.

Get out of the water and leave the coast immediately.

Japan Meteorological Agency

Japan’s islands are situated at the juncture of several tectonic plates and experience a number of relatively violent quakes every year. But building codes are rigorous and regular disaster drills are held, helping to ensure that despite their frequency and magnitude, quakes usually pass without loss of life or significant damage to property in Japan.

Asia-Pacific earthquake