A powerful mag 6.9 quake is being investigated by the Japanese government for possible links between the strong tremor and a megaquake that is expected to strike the Nankai Trough in the seas off central through southwestern Japan killing 230,000 people and destroying 2 million buildings!

Credit USGS. The map shows population density. USGS have reduced the magnitude to 6.8.

The first two weeks of 2025 continue to provide the world with heavy seismic activity. This afternoon a very powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake rocked the Southern Coast of Kyushu, Japan.  The major quake, (mag 6 or higher) was recorded at a depth of 48 km. A Tsunami warning has been issued for Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures. . according to NHK World.

According to NHK World, the magnitude 6.9 quake struck off Miyazaki Prefecture, southern Japan, on Monday evening local time. Tsunami have already reached parts of Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures. The magnitude 6.9 quake occurred in Miyazaki Prefecture, and in the hardest-hit areas had an intensity of lower 5 on the Japanese scale of 0 to 7.

In Miyazaki, a 20-centimetre tsunami was seen, while Kochi reported a 10-centimetre tsunami. Officials are urging people to stay away from coastal areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency says an expert panel is investigating possible links between the strong tremor and a megaquake that is expected to strike the Nankai Trough in the seas off central through southwestern Japan. The latest government estimate says that in the worst-case scenario, a Nankai Trough quake could claim more than 230,000 lives, and about 2 million buildings would be destroyed.

Today's quake is the 6th major, mag 6 or higher this year.

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MAJOR QUAKES 2025