Powerful Earthquake Strikes Hokkaido, Authorities Urge Caution
In the early hours of Saturday, a powerful earthquake struck eastern Hokkaido, Japan. The seismic event occurred at approximately 1:40 a.m. The epicenter was off the southeastern coast of the Nemuro Peninsula, at a depth of around 40 kilometers.
Magnitude and Intensity
The earthquake was recorded with an estimated magnitude of 5.8. In the city of Nemuro, it reached a seismic intensity level of 5, which is the fifth-highest on Japan’s seismic intensity scale.
Authorities Issue Caution
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned residents about the possibility of further temblors. People are advised to stay alert for additional earthquakes that could also reach intensity levels up to 5.
Geological Context
This earthquake occurred in an area where an oceanic plate is subducting beneath a continental plate. The boundary between these tectonic plates is known to produce significant seismic activity.
Recent Seismic Activity
- A magnitude 5.1 earthquake occurred nearby on Wednesday.
- This earlier quake registered an intensity of 4 in some regions of Hokkaido.
No tsunami warnings were issued following either earthquake. Residents are advised to remain cautious and prepared for aftershocks in the following week.
