A map showing Japan's nuclear power plants amid earthquake scare

Two nuclear power plants in Japan were shaken Monday when a 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan, prompting a tsunami warning to be issued in parts of the region.

This map shows the locations of Japan's 17 major nuclear power plants in connection with this recent earthquake.

Why does it matter?

Japanese nuclear plants faced global scrutiny after the devastating tsunami in 2011, which was caused by an earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scale. The disaster caused a catastrophic meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, leading to the evacuation of more than 150,000 residents and widespread radioactive contamination.

In the wake of Fukushima, Japan temporarily shut down all nuclear reactors for safety review, introducing stricter regulations before resuming operations.

A Japan Meteorological Agency official holds a press conference in Tokyo on January 13, 2025. An earthquake estimated at 6.6 magnitude occurred earlier that day in southwestern Japan. A Japan Meteorological Agency official holds a press conference in Tokyo on January 13, 2025. An earthquake estimated at 6.6 magnitude occurred earlier that day in southwestern Japan. Kyodo/AP What to know

Tsunami warnings were issued shortly after the quake struck at 9:19 p.m. Monday in Miyazaki Prefecture, where the epicenter was located on the island of Kyushu, as well as nearby Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. All warnings were lifted before 12am

Authorities initially warned residents to avoid coastal areas, but the warning was later lifted. While no major accidents have occurred, a few instances of minor damage have been reported.

However, the Kawauchi and Ikata nuclear power plants were hit by 3.0 magnitude tremors, and the nearby Genkai area was put on alert, Japan's NHK television network reported.

Was anyone killed or injured by the earthquake that struck Japan?

The Japan Meteorological Agency initially estimated the earthquake's magnitude at 6.9, but later reduced it to 6.6. I

In Kyushu, a man suffered minor injuries after falling from the basement, according to NHK television.

A small landslide temporarily blocked the road and some underground water pipes broke, adding to the minor damage reported in the area.

Staff clean up broken and scattered glass caused by the earthquake that struck Miyazaki Airport Terminal in southwestern Japan on January 13, 2025. Although no major incidents occurred, some cases of minor damage were reported. Staff clean up broken and scattered glass caused by the earthquake that struck Miyazaki Airport Terminal in southwestern Japan on January 13, 2025. Although no major incidents occurred, some cases of minor damage were reported. Kyodo News/AFP

According to Kyushu Electric Power Company, no malfunctions have been confirmed at any of the nuclear plants.

The tsunami, initially estimated at up to 3.2 feet high, reached land within 30 minutes of the quake, NHK television reported. In Miyazaki Port, the water height reached 0.7 feet.

The agency reported that the 6.6-magnitude earthquake occurred at a depth of 22 miles and caused tremors in a wide area of ​​Kyushu.

What is the Nankai Basin?

Meteorological agency experts met late Monday to assess whether the recent 6.6-magnitude quake might be linked to seismic activity in the Nankai Trough, an area known for periodic major earthquakes. However, they have decided that no extraordinary measures are needed at this time.

The Nankai Basin region has a history of strong and deadly earthquakes. The 1946 earthquake off the island of Shikoku killed more than 1,300 people.

More recently, the region was hit by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in August last year, confirming its seismic volatility.

What people say

“The shaking was so strong that it was difficult to stand for 20 to 30 seconds,” Yumasa Sato, head of the crisis management department at Takanabe City Hall in Miyazaki Prefecture, told NHK.

What happens next

Shigeki Aoki, an official at the Japan Meteorological Agency, warned of the possibility of aftershocks, especially during the next two or three days.

Despite public concerns, nuclear power remains a major energy source for Japan, especially in light of its limited natural resources and reliance on imports for energy security.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.

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