A significant earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale has struck parts of northern Japan. The inland tremor occurred approximately 11 miles west of Sarabetsu on Hokkaido at a depth of 50 miles early Monday, as reported by the US Geological Survey. Fortunately, there were no reports of damage or casualties, and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) did not issue a tsunami advisory.
This seismic event follows a 7.7-magnitude offshore earthquake on April 20, which led Japan to issue a warning about a slightly elevated risk of a potential megaquake along the north-eastern coast. The April earthquake hit off the coast of Sanriku around 4:53 pm local time at a depth of about 11 miles, according to the JMA.
Authorities, including Japan’s Cabinet Office and the JMA, indicated a one percent chance of a megaquake in the subsequent week in areas near the Chishima and Japan trenches, compared to the usual 0.1 percent probability under normal conditions. Though not a prediction, officials advised residents in 182 towns along the north-east coast to enhance preparedness while maintaining their daily routines.
Last week, Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that two individuals were injured in Aomori and Iwate after falling due to the earthquake. The suspension of Shinkansen bullet trains connecting Tokyo and northern Japan was temporary, causing delays for passengers awaiting service resumption.
This latest earthquake occurred outside the area covered by the previous advisory, as confirmed by the JMA, signaling the conclusion of the special alert period as scheduled. Notably, this month marks the 15th anniversary of the devastating magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that hit northern Japan on March 11, 2011, claiming over 22,000 lives and displacing nearly half a million people.
