IWATE –
A strong earthquake registering a most depth of 6 higher on Japan’s seismic scale struck Aomori Prefecture at round 7:30 a.m. at this time.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicenter was off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, with a depth of about 50 kilometers. The earthquake’s magnitude was estimated at 6.9.
Slight sea-level adjustments are anticipated because of the quake, however there isn’t a concern that they may trigger tsunami injury.
A reside digital camera in Shizukuishi, Iwate Prefecture, captured timber shaking strongly at round 7:31 a.m., apparently because of the earthquake. The digital camera itself appeared to maneuver up and down, and close by constructions might be seen vibrating.
Reports from affected areas confirmed indoor injury. In Hachinohe, the place depth 6 decrease was recorded, fallen dishes have been scattered and damaged throughout the ground. Another report from Kuji in Iwate Prefecture confirmed home goods strewn indoors, indicating that the coastal space of Iwate and the Sannohe and Kamikita areas of Aomori have been hit by very sturdy shaking.
Residents have been urged to observe their footing, particularly in houses the place glass or tableware might have shattered. Injuries from damaged glass throughout cleanup are frequent after sturdy earthquakes, making it essential to test security first and keep away from cuts to fingers and ft.
Seismic exercise has been rising off the Tohoku area since round final autumn. In November final yr, a collection of huge earthquakes occurred off Sanriku. On December 8 final yr, a magnitude 7.5 quake off jap Aomori Prefecture produced a most depth of 6 higher and brought on injury primarily in Aomori. In April this yr, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake additionally occurred off Sanriku.
The space off Iwate Prefecture, the place the newest quake occurred, has additionally seen felt earthquakes since final yr, with exercise rising from round April this yr. Although no quake of this scale had occurred within the fast space, the variety of perceptible tremors close to the newest epicenter had been rising.
Aftershocks are anticipated to proceed following the magnitude 6.9 quake. Because the epicenter was nearer to land than the earthquake that occurred off Aomori final yr, even smaller aftershocks may produce comparatively sturdy shaking onshore. Residents within the affected areas have been urged to stay alert for additional tremors.
Source: TBS