Post by : Bianca
Haleem
A significant earthquake measuring 7.2 in magnitude shook Japan's northeastern coast on Thursday morning, coinciding with the busy commute period. Fortunately, no tsunami warning was issued by authorities following the seismic event.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed that the earthquake took place off the eastern shore of Iwate Prefecture, later revising the preliminary magnitude from 6.9 to 7.2. The earthquake originated at a depth of roughly 50 kilometers (30 miles). The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initially recorded it at 6.9.
This quake struck a region already reeling from several strong seismic events in recent months, following a major earthquake last December that had prompted authorities to issue a week-long mega-quake caution advisory.
Residents across northeastern Japan reported sensing the tremor, while mild shaking was experienced even in Tokyo. As of Thursday morning, Japan’s top government spokesperson, Minoru Kihara, confirmed there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant property damage.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced that the government had promptly activated its emergency response team and was vigilantly monitoring the unfolding situation.
“Our emergency team prioritizes the safety of the public,” Takaichi stated to reporters in Tokyo, while officials gathered information from affected areas and readied relief measures if required.
She further advised residents in impacted zones to stay vigilant for potential aftershocks.
In Aomori Prefecture, Tomoko Nagane, the principal of a primary school, shared with NHK that she felt moderate side-to-side shaking while driving when the earthquake alert was issued. Fortunately, the children who had reached the school were safe, though a few were frightened during the quake.
As a precaution, all classes were canceled for the day, and students were sent home safely, Nagane added.
Reports from NHK journalists in hard-hit cities like Sendai and Morioka indicated that the shaking persisted for several minutes. However, no significant damage was noted immediately, and daily life seemed largely unaffected.
The East Japan Railway Co. announced the temporary suspension of some bullet train services and local trains in northeastern Japan for safety checks.
Authorities confirmed that nuclear plants in the region remained unharmed, with Minoru Kihara stating that there were no abnormalities at nuclear power facilities, including the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which had been severely damaged in the catastrophic 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
A spent fuel reprocessing facility in Aomori also reported no complications following the earthquake.
Japan is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active regions globally, rendering the country susceptible to earthquakes and geological disturbances.
What was the magnitude of the Japan earthquake on Thursday?
The Japan Meteorological Agency measured the earthquake at a magnitude of 7.2, while the U.S. Geological Survey reported it as 6.9.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan.
Was a tsunami warning issued?
No. Japan’s meteorological agency confirmed there was no tsunami threat.
Were there any casualties or major damage?
Authorities reported no immediate injuries or significant damage.
Were train services affected?
Yes. Some bullet trains and local railway services were temporarily suspended for safety inspections.
Did the earthquake affect nuclear facilities?
No. Authorities said there were no abnormalities at nuclear power plants or related facilities, including Fukushima Daiichi.
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