A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck western Japan on Tuesday morning, localized mainly in Shimane Prefecture and neighboring Tottori Prefecture. The initial quake occurred at 10:18 a.m. JST and registered five on Japan’s seismic intensity scale.
Details of the Earthquake Events
The earthquake struck at a relatively shallow depth of around 6 miles. Shortly after the initial tremor, a second quake was recorded at magnitude 5.1, registering lower on the seismic scale. Residents reported significant swaying motions, with aftershocks persisting throughout the late morning.
No Tsunami Warning Issued
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed that there is no tsunami risk resulting from this seismic activity. However, the agency cautions that tremors reaching upper 5 intensity may continue for up to a week, with the highest probability of significant tremors in the next two to three days.
Safety Concerns and Impact
- Increased risks of landslides and falling rocks have been reported in affected areas.
- No injuries have been documented as of now.
- Regional electric power companies confirmed that their systems remained stable with no abnormalities detected.
Bullet train services experienced temporary disruptions, while cameras atop buildings captured noticeable shaking. The strongest tremors were observed in Matsue and Yasugi in Shimane, and in Sakaiminato and surrounding regions in Tottori. The effects of the quake were felt far beyond the epicenter, extending into areas such as Okayama, Hiroshima, Kagawa, and Ehime.
Preparedness and Continued Monitoring
The JMA continues to monitor the situation closely. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepare for possible aftershocks. It is crucial to stay informed through official channels to ensure safety in the coming days.
