GUNMA –
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck japanese Japan at round 7:46 p.m., with a most seismic depth of decrease 5 recorded in elements of Gunma and Saitama prefectures, although no accidents or main harm had been confirmed and there was no danger of a tsunami.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake’s epicenter was in southern Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of roughly 50 kilometers.
The strongest shaking, measuring decrease 5 on Japan’s seismic depth scale, was recorded in Ota City and Chiyoda Town in Gunma Prefecture, and in Kazo City, Honjo City, and Misato Town in Saitama Prefecture. Intensity 4 shaking was noticed throughout elements of Ibaraki, Tochigi, and southern Saitama prefectures, whereas depth 3 was felt in Tokyo’s 23 wards and surrounding areas.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency mentioned no accidents or constructing harm had been confirmed as of the most recent studies.
The earthquake additionally affected transportation. East Japan Railway mentioned companies on parts of the Hokuriku and Joetsu Shinkansen strains had been suspended in each instructions following the tremor, with operations anticipated to renew at round 10:15 p.m.
Seismologists famous that the earthquake originated in a seismically lively space close to the boundary the place the Philippine Sea Plate subducts beneath the continental plate. An analogous earthquake measuring decrease 5 on the Japanese scale occurred in almost the identical space on April 1, suggesting the most recent occasion was attributable to comparable tectonic exercise.
Experts mentioned the area often experiences earthquakes of depth 3 or better and is taken into account one of many extra lively seismic zones within the Kanto area. The newest quake is believed to have been a reverse-fault occasion attributable to compressional forces generated by plate motion.
Long-period floor movement, labeled on the lowest degree on Japan’s scale, was additionally noticed in southern Gunma, northern Saitama, and close by areas. Such shaking could cause taller buildings to sway slowly for prolonged intervals even when total seismic depth is comparatively reasonable.
Reports from residents indicated that many individuals close to the epicenter skilled a pointy upward jolt adopted by speedy shaking. Experts mentioned short-period vibrations could cause unsecured home items to fall, growing the chance of accidents inside houses even when structural harm is proscribed.
Authorities suggested residents returning dwelling to stay cautious of damaged glass and fallen objects. Seismologists additionally warned that earthquakes of comparable energy may happen over the approaching week and that smaller aftershocks stay attainable. They urged individuals to safe unstable gadgets that will have shifted in the course of the quake, as extra tremors may trigger them to fall.
Analysis of seismic information indicated that many areas first skilled small, speedy vibrations earlier than stronger shaking arrived, a sample according to observations from residents throughout the affected area. Experts mentioned the world is prone to stay vulnerable to additional seismic exercise and urged continued vigilance within the days forward.
Source: ウェザーニュース