Japan earthquake hits at 6.9 magnitude, tsunami warning issued

Japan issued its first warning on Thursday of an increased risk of a "megaearthquake" in the near future after strong earthquakes of magnitude 6.9 and 7.1 rocked the country. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida canceled a planned visit to Central Asia because of the warning.

‘Massive earthquake' risk increases in Japan

The possibility of a “massive” earthquake jolting Japan has “increased,” the country’s weather agency has warned. The warning was issued after southwestern Japan was jolted on Thursday by a strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake, forcing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to cancel his trip to Central Asia on Friday. It is the “first such advisory for areas around the Nankai Trough” -- stretching from southwestern to central Japan -- issued by Japan Meteorol…

For the first time, Japan issued a warning against an increased risk of “megapotremors” in the near future, after powerful earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.9 and 7.1 shook the country.

After a strong tremor on Thursday, authorities are warning of even more violent tremors. The risk has increased "many times over".

The earthquake in Japan was not a disaster. But it could be a premonition. Residents are now being warned of an increased risk of a megaquake in the sea.

Japan issues 'higher than usual' megaquake risk warning

The warning comes after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Japan earlier on Thursday.