Japan rocked by several earthquakes, including magnitude 6.8 quake, as Pacific Ring of Fire activity continues
KUMAMOTO, Japan — A series of earthquakes rocked Kyushu, Japan's southernmost main island Tuesday afternoon, including a magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck roughly 9 miles north of the city of Kumamoto.
The earthquake struck just before 4:30 p.m. local time and was relatively shallow, with an epicenter about 6 miles beneath the surface. It was felt across much of Kyushu, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami advisory for parts of Kyushu, warning of waves up to 3 feet, before lifting it a short time later.
A magnitude 5.6 and a magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck near the city of Tsunagi within an hour of the main earthquake.
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Kumamoto Airport said that it is closed due to the effects of the earthquake.
There's no immediate word on the extent of any damage or any serious injuries.
Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a 25,000-mile belt of volcanoes and earthquake zones surrounding much of the Pacific Ocean.
Check back for updates on this developing story.