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

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.

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

A very strong magnitude 6.8 earthquake occurred in the Philippine Sea near the coast of Miyazaki, Japan on Monday evening (Jan 13). According to reports, the earthquake hit at 9.19 pm local time (GMT +9).

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.

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

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan late on Monday, the US Geological Survey said, prompting local authorities to issue a tsunami advisory.

Following the tremor, tsunami warnings were issued for Miyazaki Prefecture and the nearby Kochi Prefecture, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

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

The tremors struck at 9.19 pm local time, was centered near Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. The meteorological agency has also warned of possible waves up to one metre.

The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center said there was no threat of a tsunami to the U.S. West Coast or Hawaii. There were no immediate reports of damage or major injuries, but residents in some coastal areas were told to evacuate as a precautionary measure.