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

Japan's nuclear plants faced global scrutiny after the devastating 2011 tsunami triggered by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake.

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 6.8 magnitude earthquake near Japan's Miyazaki Prefecture led to a tsunami advisory that has since been lifted. No significant damage reported.

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's southwest coast Monday. Tsunami warnings for nearby areas have been lifted.

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan, prompting tsunami warnings for Miyazaki and Kochi Prefectures. The quake occurred at 9:19 pm local time, with damage assessments ongoing. Japan’s location along the Ring of Fire makes it prone to seismic activity.

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

Tsunami warnings have been declared for Miyazaki Prefecture, as well as for the adjacent Kochi Prefecture. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a powerful earthquake has struck southwestern Japan.

TOKYO (AP) — 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.

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