A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture east of Kyushu, Japan, and a tsunami warning was issued.The Japan Meteorological

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.

A strong earthquake rattled southern Japan on Monday ... Located on the island of Kyushu, Miyazaki is about 700 miles southeast of Tokyo. Per its last census, the city has a population of about ...

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kyushu region, causing panic and disruption. Watch the intense footage capturing the quake's impact.- Watch Video on English Oneindia

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

The quake was centered just offshore of Kyushu, about 7 miles east of the coastal town of Miyazaki, about 520 miles southwest of Tokyo. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded it as a preliminary 6.8-magnitude quake, and data from the agency indicated “strong” shaking in Miyazaki.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake hit Japan's Kyushu region on Monday. The tremor occurred at a depth of 37 km, as reported by the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre.

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.

Japan is preparing for potentially devastating earthquake, with experts warning of increased likelihood of tremors with a magnitude of 8-9.

U.S. Army aviators and Japanese troops are participating in Nankai Rescue, a U.S.-Japan disaster drill that kicked off Monday.

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