Magnitude 6.1 earthquake rocks Japan’s Hokkaido, no tsunami warning

TOKYO: The US Geological Survey and Japan’s Meteorological Agency said a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Hokkaido in northern Japan on Saturday night (February 25).

No tsunami warnings were issued after the offshore earthquake that shook the coastal cities of Kushiro and Nemuro.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The quake struck at 10:27 p.m. local time at a depth of about 43 kilometers, according to the USGS.

Two municipalities in Hokkaido recorded a seismic intensity of lower 5 on the 7th scale of the seismic intensity scale.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, this is typically the level at which merchandise can fall off shelves and unsecured furniture can move.

An expert speaking at public broadcaster NHK warned residents to be on alert for earthquakes for about a week.

Earthquakes are common in Japan, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of intense seismic activity that stretches across Southeast Asia and the Pacific Basin.

The country has strict building regulations to ensure that buildings can withstand strong earthquakes, and it conducts regular emergency drills to prepare for strong tremors.