A major earthquake struck Japan near the country's southern island of Shikoku on Friday, September 15th, 2023, at 4:36 PM Japan Standard Time. The quake measured 6.5 on the Richter scale and caused significant damage, particularly in the prefectures of Kochi and Ehime. Reports indicate widespread power outages, damaged buildings, and disruptions to transportation networks. Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and prioritizing rescue efforts.

The earthquake has triggered tsunami warnings for coastal areas along the Pacific Ocean, although these have since been lifted. Residents are being urged to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines. The situation is being closely monitored by emergency responders and officials are working to provide assistance to those affected. This event is a reminder of Japan's vulnerability to seismic activity and underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and prepare for future earthquakes. Search terms like "Japan earthquake," "Shikoku earthquake," "earthquake damage," and "tsunami warning" are relevant to this news.