6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan, No Tsunami Threat
The agency noted that the quake occurred in the same offshore Iwate region that experienced a stronger earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 6+ on June 25
Tokyo: A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan early Sunday, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said, adding that there was no risk of a tsunami.
According to the JMA, the earthquake occurred at 5:21 am local time at a depth of 41 kilometres.
The quake registered a maximum seismic intensity of lower 5 (5-) in Hachinohe City in Aomori Prefecture and Fudai Village in Iwate Prefecture. Tremors ranging from intensity 4 to 1 were felt across a wide area stretching from Hokkaido to the Kanto-Koshin region.
The JMA said the earthquake was caused by a reverse fault with a pressure axis running from west-northwest to east-southeast. As of 7:00 am local time, no additional earthquakes of seismic intensity 1 or higher had been recorded.
The agency noted that the quake occurred in the same offshore Iwate region that experienced a stronger earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 6+ on June 25. Authorities warned residents to remain alert for earthquakes of up to seismic intensity 6+ for about a week following the earlier event.
The JMA also cautioned that areas affected by strong shaking could face an increased risk of rockfalls and landslides. It clarified that the latest earthquake did not meet the criteria for issuing a warning regarding a subsequent major earthquake off the Hokkaido and Sanriku coasts.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said there was no concern of a tsunami and that the government was continuing its response through the crisis management office established after the June 25 earthquake.
In a post on X, Takaichi said she had instructed officials to assess the damage, provide timely and accurate information to the public, and take all necessary response measures. She also urged residents in the affected region to remain vigilant and continue taking precautions as seismic activity persists.
