Earthquake: 6.7 magnitude quake hits Japan, triggers TSUNAMI warning

A powerful earthquake of 6.7 magnitude on the Ritcher Scale struck Hokkaido and Tohoku regions of Japan on Friday morning (local time). The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami warning for parts of Hokkaido as well as the coasts of Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi. According to Japan Times, the earthquake hit the country at around 11:44 a.m (local time). The country’s seismic intensity scale registered shindo 4 level in some regions.

Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a tsunami warning that upto 1 meter waves are possible in the areas. The tsunami advisory requested people in the affected areas to stay away from the ocean. Evacuation is not required under an advisory.

The seismic activity was reported in parts of the Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi and Akita regions. The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 20 km, follows a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that hit the country on Monday night. At least 30 people were injured due to the powerful quake.

A follow-up earthquake advisory was released for the area, indicating an increased chance of a stronger quake occurring.

Shallow Earthquakes Are More Dangerous

Scientists consider shallow earthquakes more dangerous than the deeper ones. This is because shallow quakes have greater energy release closer to the Earth’s surface, causing stronger ground shaking. The deeper earthquakes lose energy while travelling to the surface.

(Note: This is a developing story and further details will be added.)