Earthquake Off Japan Coast Triggers Tsunami Advisory

An earthquake off the coast of Japan on Tuesday morning triggered tsunami advisories for residents across several remote islands, according to the authorities.

The 5.9 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Torishima Island at 8:14 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The U.S. Geological Survey said its magnitude was 5.6. The Japanese agency issued tsunami advisories for the Izu and Ogasawara islands. Waves of up to one meter, or about three feet, were expected, forecasters said. The advisory was lifted at 11 a.m.

A tsunami about 1.6 feet high reached the Hachijo Island at 8:58 a.m., according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. A tsunami about four inches high was recorded at Miyake Island at 9:11 a.m., the agency said.

A tsunami forecast indicating slight sea level change of less than 0.2 meters, or about eight inches, was issued for the eastern and southern islands of Japan.

According to the national broadcaster NHK, residents are advised to remain vigilant and stay away from coastal areas. The Japan Coast Guard has issued warnings to ships in the area, NKH reported.

Torishima is an uninhabited volcanic island about 375 miles south of Tokyo. It is part of the southern Izu Islands.

The tsunami advisory followed a record amount of rain that killed six people and triggered flooding and landslides in a coastal region in Japan that is still recovering from a deadly earthquake earlier this year, according to local authorities.