Tokyo: A 6.9-magnitude earthquake followed by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit southern Japan on Thursday, according to the US Geological Survey. Tsunamis of up to one meter were expected to hit or hit some coastal areas on the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku, broadcaster NHK reported. According to the USGS, the first earthquake occurred at a depth of 33 km, while the second earthquake occurred at a depth of 25 km. The Japanese government has formed a special task force in response to the earthquake, according to a statement.
