A powerful quake hits off Japan’s coast, causing minor injuries but prompting new concerns

Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — A powerful earthquake has struck off Japan’s southern coast and injured nine people, but most of the injuries are minor and there have been no reports of serious damage. Tsunami advisories that were issued for the quake were later lifted, but the quake also prompted seismologists to reassess and raise the level of risk of major quakes associated with an undersea trough to the east of southern Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency says Thursday’s quake registered magnitude 7.1 and was centered off the eastern coast of Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu at a depth of about 18.6 miles. Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries.