A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of southern Japan on Monday, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The quake struck at 9:19 p.m. Japan time about 7 miles southeast of Miyazaki, Japan, the agency said.
As seismologists review available data, they may revise the reported magnitude of the earthquake. Additional information gathered about the earthquake may also prompt USGS scientists to update the earthquake magnitude map.
Aftershocks in the region
An aftershock is usually a smaller earthquake that follows a larger one in the same general area. Aftershocks are usually smaller adjustments along the part of the fault that slipped at the time of the initial earthquake.
Aftershocks can occur days, weeks or even years after the first earthquake. These events can be of equal or greater magnitude than the initial earthquake and can continue to affect already damaged sites.