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

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 strong, 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of southern Japan on Monday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The temblor happened at 9:19 p.m. Japan time about 7 miles southeast of Miyazaki, Japan, data from the agency shows.

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.

Japan's nuclear plants faced global scrutiny after the devastating 2011 tsunami triggered by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake.

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake that rocked the southwestern part of Japan has triggered a tsunami advisory for the entire country. According to the Japanese Meteorological Agency, the earthquake occurred at approximately 9:19 p.