Japanese authorities have reported that a powerful earthquake in the country's southwest has resulted in nine individuals sustaining minor injuries.

Authorities reported that a powerful earthquake struck southwestern Japan, resulting in nine individuals sustaining minor injuries and causing damage such as burst water pipes and small landslides.

The magnitude 6.6 temblor occurred late Wednesday, centered just off the western coast of Shikoku, in the Bungo Channel area. This strait lies between Shikoku and the southern main island of Kyushu.

The quake, occurring approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) below the sea's surface, did not pose any threat of a tsunami, according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported on Thursday that six individuals in Ehime prefecture, one in neighboring Kochi, and two others in Oita on Kyushu island sustained minor injuries, primarily from falls at home.

Local media accounts indicated that water pipes were ruptured at various locations in Sukumo City in Kochi prefecture, and grave stones collapsed at a Buddhist temple in Ainan town in Ehime prefecture. Reports also mentioned falling rooftiles.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority stated that no abnormalities were detected in the four reactors operating at three nuclear power plants in Shikoku and Kyushu.

Japan, situated within the Pacific "ring of fire," ranks among the world's most earthquake-prone regions. The devastating magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami in March 2011 claimed nearly 20,000 lives and triggered the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear meltdowns. Additionally, on January 1st, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the north-central Noto region, resulting in the loss of 241 lives.