Officials said that the tsunami warning has been lifted following an earlier alert in response to a powerful earthquake on Monday off the coast of Japan’s Miyazaki Prefecture.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimated the preliminary magnitude of the earthquake at 6.8. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, it was a lower 5 on a Japanese scale from 0-7.
Officials from Japan and the United States said that the quake occurred at 9:19 pm local time. Its epicenter was located a few nautical miles offshore at a depth of around 19 miles.
The Japanese weather agency issued a tsunami warning for Miyazaki Prefecture and Kochi Prefecture, with expected waves of approximately 1 meter. Authorities said that a tsunami wave measuring 8 inches in height reached certain coasts and port areas at around 10 p.m. Residents were warned to stay away from waterways and the coast.
Residents of certain areas in Kochi Prefecture were asked to evacuate.
About an hour after the earthquake, Japanese weather officials stated that they were still collecting information on disruptions. It was not clear when some train services would resume.
Authorities warn that there may be aftershocks or other jolts, so residents are advised to stay in a secure place. Residents were warned to be cautious of any broken glass or debris.
Officials said that no significant damage had been reported and that there were no abnormalities with the radiation levels in nuclear power plants in the region.