A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan early Sunday, adding to concerns over continued seismic activity in the region days after a stronger earthquake rattled the country. No casualties have been reported in the new earthquake.
According to the Japan Times, which cited Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA), the quake occurred at 5:21 am local time and measured 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale of 7 in Hachinohe city in Aomori Prefecture.
Authorities said the epicentre was located offshore at a depth of around 40 kilometres. No tsunami warning was issued following the earthquake.
The tremor is the latest in a series of earthquakes affecting northern and central Japan in recent days, prompting authorities to maintain alerts over possible aftershocks and related risks.
JMA HAD WARNED OF FURTHER STRONG TREMORS
Sunday’s earthquake came just days after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck northern Japanprompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to warn residents to remain alert.
Following that stronger quake, the agency had advised the public to stay prepared for additional earthquakes reaching a maximum seismic intensity of around upper 6 for at least a week.
Officials have repeatedly urged residents to monitor official updates and remain cautious, especially in areas vulnerable to structural damage and secondary disasters.
There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries following Sunday’s earthquake.
ANOTHER EARTHQUAKE STRUCK A DAY EARLIER
The latest tremor also follows another seismic event recorded a day earlier.
On Friday, an earthquake measuring magnitude 5.8 struck near eastern Honshu, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
EMSC said the earthquake occurred at a depth of 20 kilometres (12.43 miles).
Separately, The Japan Times reported that a magnitude 5.6 earthquake also shook Yamanashi and surrounding prefectures on Friday, raising concerns over possible landslides after days of heavy rainfall.
Japan, one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, experiences frequent seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where multiple tectonic plates meet.
– Ends
Source link
[ad_3]
