A nearly 7.0 earthquake rocked southern Japan on Monday with no reports of damage to the two nuclear power plants in the area.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency withdrew a tsunami advisory after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of southwest Japan.

A strong earthquake struck southwestern Japan, the U.S. Geological Survey said, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami advisory.

TOKYO — 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.

TOKYO -- A tsunami advisory was issued for part of southwest Japan after a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck Monday, but the warnings to stay away from coastal areas were later lifted. A few instances of minor damage were reported. Japan’s Meteorological Agency initially estimated the magnitude was 6.9 but later revised it to 6.6.

Japan is preparing for potentially devastating earthquake, with experts warning of increased likelihood of tremors with a magnitude of 8-9.

A tsunami warning has been issued after an earthquake of 6.9 magnitude rocked southwestern Japan today. Miyazaki prefecture, where the temblor was centered, in the southwestern island of Kyushu, as well as the nearby Kochi prefecture,

Tsunami warnings were issued after the earthquake rattled the southwest of the country on Monday.View on euronews

The quake was centered just offshore of Kyushu, about 7 miles east of the coastal town of Miyazaki, about 520 miles southwest of Tokyo. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded it as a preliminary 6.8-magnitude quake, and data from the agency indicated “strong” shaking in Miyazaki.

A strong earthquake measuring a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 has rattled southwestern Japan; the west coast is not in danger of a tsunami.

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 hit southwestern Japan, the country’s Meteorological Agency said Monday