6.2 quake on Hokkaido island latest to shake Japan

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

TOKYO: A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido early Monday morning, shaking the region but causing no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake occurred at approximately 5:23 am local time, with its epicenter located about 18 kilometers west of the town of Sarabetsu at a depth of 81 kilometers.

While the tremors were strong enough to be felt across the southern region of the island, no tsunami advisory was issued. However, officials warned that the risk of landslides and falling rocks remains high in areas that experienced heavy shaking.

This latest quake follows a powerful 7.7-magnitude tremor that hit off the coast of northern Iwate prefecture just one week ago, which had prompted a brief tsunami warning and heightened concerns about a potential megaquake in the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire.’

Residents in the region have been advised to remain vigilant, as experts warn of the high probability of significant aftershocks in the coming days.

Photo Credits: AFP