Magnitude 5 Earthquake Strikes Off Japan's Sanriku Coast, Tsunami Warning Issued
Quake rated "upper 5" on Japan's seismic intensity scale; waves up to 3 metres expected across Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate
Quick Look
- A magnitude 5 earthquake struck off Japan's Sanriku Coast at a depth of 10km, prompting tsunami warnings for Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures with waves up to 3 metres expected.
- The quake measured "upper 5" on Japan's seismic intensity scale, strong enough to make movement difficult and cause unreinforced concrete walls to collapse.
- The tremor was felt as far as Tokyo, hundreds of kilometres away.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Japan experiences frequent earthquakes due to its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire. The Sanriku Coast has a history of major seismic events and tsunamis, including the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake.
The epicentre of the quake, which had a depth of 10km (six miles), was off the Sanriku Coast, The Japan News reported. Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami warning for Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures, with waves as high as three metres (10 feet) expected. The quake measured an "upper 5" on Japan's seismic intensity scale of zero to 7, strong enough to make it difficult for people to move around. In many cases, unreinforced concrete-block walls collapse. The tremor was strong enough to shake large buildings as far as Tokyo, hundreds of kilometres away. Authorities advised that the waves were already approaching coastal areas, according to national broadcaster NHK.
Open Questions
- What is the exact magnitude of the earthquake?
- Are there any casualties or injuries reported?
- What is the current status of the tsunami warning?
- Have any infrastructure damages been reported?
