A strong earthquake jolted southern Japan on Wednesday evening. The quake measured 6.3 magnitude and struck near the coast of Ehime prefecture. It was relatively shallow, at around 26 kilometers deep, which means shaking can feel more intense compared to deeper quakes.
Fortunately, there are no reports of major damage or injuries, and no tsunami warnings were issued.
Japan Suffered A Devastating Earthquake Earlier This Year
A powerful earthquake jolted Japan’s west coast in early January. The 7.6 magnitude quake struck near the Noto Peninsula on Monday, January 2nd, triggering tsunami warnings for nine prefectures along the coast and neighboring South Korea. The shaking was felt as far away as the capital, Tokyo, on the opposite side of the country.
Fearing tsunami waves, authorities quickly issued warnings and nearly 100,000 people were evacuated to emergency shelters in schools and gyms. These shelters are often built with supplies to support people for extended periods.
Thankfully, the tsunami waves were smaller than anticipated, reaching around 4 feet high in some areas. However, the earthquake caused hundreds of aftershocks and damage, including fires and building collapses.
Japan’s public broadcaster played a crucial role by quickly urging people to seek higher ground, likely helping to minimise casualties. This event serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in a country prone to earthquakes due to its location on major tectonic plates.
Japan Is Prone To Earthquakes?
Japan, a country no stranger to earthquakes, was struck by a powerful one recently. The quake hit Ishikawa, a popular tourist destination known for its historical sites, on Monday. This was the strongest earthquake recorded in the area since data collection began in 1885.
The earthquake triggered the first major tsunami warning in Japan since the devastating 2011 disaster. Thankfully, the tsunami waves were not as high as initially feared.
Geologists recorded hundreds of smaller quakes in the area over the past year, but they are still puzzled as to why this larger earthquake couldn’t be predicted. More research is needed to understand the cause.
Japan sits on a fault line where tectonic plates meet, making it especially prone to earthquakes. This recent event serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the ongoing risk of earthquakes in the country.
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