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Magnitude 6.9 quake hits northern Japan
japantimes.co.jp • • world
Key Points:
- A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Japan on Thursday morning, reaching an upper 6 intensity on Japan's seismic scale in Hashikami, Aomori Prefecture, with no tsunami warning issued.
- The epicenter was located 50 kilometers deep off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, causing significant shaking in nearby cities, including a lower 6 in Hachinohe and upper 5 in parts of Iwate.
- The Tohoku Shinkansen line has suspended operations, and the Prime Minister’s Office has established a task force to respond, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urging vigilance for potential aftershocks.
- There are no reported casualties or nuclear facility issues, though some people may be trapped in an elevator in Hachinohe; Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has deployed Self-Defense Forces for aerial reconnaissance.
- Northern Japan has experienced several significant earthquakes in recent months, including a magnitude 7.7 quake in April and a 6.3 quake in May, prompting ongoing alerts for larger seismic events.
