Two of Japan's nuclear power plants were rattled on Monday when a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck southwest Japan, prompting a tsunami advisory for parts of the region.
This map shows the locations of Japan's 17 major nuclear power plants in relation to this most recent earthquake.
Why It Matters
Japan's nuclear plants faced global scrutiny after the devastating 2011 tsunami triggered by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake. The disaster caused a catastrophic meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, leading to the evacuation of over 150,000 residents and widespread radioactive contamination.
Following Fukushima, Japan temporarily shut down all nuclear reactors for safety reviews, with stricter regulations introduced before resuming operations.
What to Know
Tsunami advisories were issued shortly after the 9:19 p.m. quake on Monday for Miyazaki prefecture, where the epicenter was located on Kyushu island, as well as nearby Kochi prefecture on Shikoku island, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. All advisories were lifted before 12 a.m.
Authorities initially warned residents to avoid coastal areas, but the advisory was later lifted. While no major incidents occurred, a few cases of minor damage were reported.
However, Kawauchi and Ikata nuclear power plants both experienced magnitude 3 tremors and nearby Genkai was also on alert, Japan's NHK TV network reported.
Was Anyone Killed or Injured by the Earthquake in Japan?
Japan's Meteorological Agency initially estimated the earthquake at a magnitude of 6.9, but later downgraded it to 6.6. I
In Kyushu, one man sustained minor injuries after falling downstairs, according to NHK TV.
A small landslide temporarily blocked a road and some underground water pipes ruptured, adding to the minor damage reported in the region.
According to Kyushu Electric Power, no abnormalities were confirmed in any of the nuclear plants.
NHK TV reported that a tsunami, initially estimated at up to 3.2 feet high, reached land within 30 minutes of the earthquake. At Miyazaki Port, however, the waters measured 0.7 feet.
The 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck at a depth of 22 miles and caused tremors across a wide area of Kyushu, according to the agency.
What Is the Nankai Trough?
Meteorological agency experts convened late Monday to evaluate whether the recent 6.6 magnitude earthquake might be connected to seismic activity in the Nankai Trough, a region known for periodic major quakes. However, they determined that no extraordinary measures were necessary at this time.
The Nankai Trough region has a history of powerful and deadly earthquakes. A 1946 quake off Shikoku claimed more than 1,300 lives.
More recently, the area experienced a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in August last year, underscoring its seismic volatility.
What People Are Saying
Yumasa Sato, chief of the Crisis Management Division of the Takanabe Town Hall in Miyazaki Prefecture, told NHK: "The shaking was so strong that it was difficult to stand for about 20 to 30 seconds."
What Happens Next
Shigeki Aoki, an official from the Japan Meteorological Agency, cautioned that aftershocks could occur, particularly within the next two to three days.
Despite public concerns, nuclear power remains a key energy source for Japan, especially given its limited natural resources and reliance on imports for energy security.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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