Magnitude 6.9 earthquake strikes off northeastern Japan

An earthquake of preliminary magnitude 6.9 struck off the coast of Iwate, northeastern Japan on Thursday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

The quake took place at 7.30 am local time (2230GMT) in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 42 kilometers (26 miles) from the coastal city of Kuji, with its epicenter located at a depth of 50 km (31 mi), according to the agency.

The agency said the quake initially registered as an upper 6 magnitude event on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, which has a maximum level of 7.

The quake alert did not immediately supply any further details.

Heavy rain hits southwestern Japan

Heavy rain continued to lash southwestern Japan on Thursday, prompting authorities to issue the highest-level landslide warnings in parts of Kyushu as record rainfall triggered flooding and slope collapses, according to NHK.

Officials said Fukue Airport in Nagasaki province recorded more than 540 millimeters (21.2 inches) of rain over 72 hours, while a hillside collapse in Sasebo damaged vehicles and a shed but caused no injuries.

Weather forecasters warned that heavy downpours could persist across regions from Kanto-Koshin to Kyushu through Friday, with some areas expected to receive up to 200 millimeters (7.8 inches) of additional rainfall.

Residents were also advised to prepare for swollen rivers, flooding, lightning, and strong winds.

Meanwhile, Severe Tropical Storm Mekkhala is forecast to approach Okinawa by Friday, bringing winds of up to 108 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 144 kph. Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant as the storm nears.

The deteriorating weather has disrupted air travel, with Japanese airlines canceling around 100 domestic flights on Thursday and another 140 scheduled for Friday, primarily affecting routes serving Okinawa's Ishigaki, Miyako, and Naha airports.