A powerful earthquake struck off Japan`s southern coast on Thursday, triggering a tsunami advisory. Residents were urged to stay away from the coastline, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or serious damage.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake registered magnitude 7.1 and was centred in waters off the eastern coast of Japan`s southern main island of Kyushu at a depth of about 30 kilometres (18.6 miles).