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

A tsunami warning has been issued after an earthquake of 6.9 magnitude rocked southwestern Japan today. Miyazaki prefecture, where the temblor was centered, in the southwestern island of Kyushu, as well as the nearby Kochi prefecture,

Japan’s Meteorological Agency withdrew a tsunami advisory after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of southwest Japan.

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 magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck Japan's Kyushu region on Monday, according to the Meteorological Agency. Tsunami warnings were issued for Miyazaki Prefecture. The extent of damage was not immediately clear.

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

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.

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

The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center said there was no threat of a tsunami to the U.S. West Coast or Hawaii. There were no immediate reports of damage or major injuries, but residents in some coastal areas were told to evacuate as a precautionary measure.