UPDATE - 7.1 magnitude earthquake jolts Japan, triggers tsunami alert

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS AS TSUNAMI ALERT ISSUED; CHANGES HEADER, DECK

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Japan was Thursday hit by a strong earthquake, triggering a tsunami alert.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the magnitude 7.1 earthquake jolted southwestern Miyazaki province.

​​​​​​​The earthquake was reported at around 0742GMT.

Earlier, the USGS had said the magnitude was 6.9 but later revised it to 7.1.

Local authorities have issued a tsunami advisory for Kochi, Miyazaki, Ehime, Oita and Kagoshima provinces.​​​​​​​