A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Shimane and Tottori prefectures on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the region. Local media reports confirmed the seismic event, but Japan’s Meteorological Agency has assured the public that no tsunami warning has been issued.
The initial jolt hit at around 10:18 AM local time in eastern Shimane Prefecture, registering upper 5 on Japan’s seven-point seismic intensity scale. Follow-up tremors followed at 10:28 AM with lower 5 intensity (around 5.1) and another at 10:37 AM measuring 5.4 magnitude. The primary quake originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers.
No injuries or significant damage have been reported so far. Officials at the Shimane Nuclear Power Plant in Matsue city confirmed no abnormalities detected post-earthquake. However, power disruptions led to suspensions of bullet train services on the Sanyo Shinkansen line between Okayama and Hiroshima stations, as per JR West. Services are expected to resume by 1 PM, with delays on other sections.
This event echoes a 5.7 magnitude quake on December 31 last year off Iwate Prefecture’s coast, which also prompted no tsunami alert. Japan, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences earthquakes, underscoring the importance of preparedness in earthquake-prone Japan.