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A 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan on Thursday morning, shaking dozens of communities across the country’s northeast, although authorities said there was no tsunami risk and no reports of serious injuries.
The earthquake occurred off the eastern coast of Iwate Prefecture at a depth of about 50 kilometres, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), which upgraded the magnitude from an initial estimate of 6.9.
The United States Geological Survey measured the quake at magnitude 6.9.
The tremor was felt across northeastern Japan and was also mildly experienced in Tokyo during the morning rush hour. The affected region has recorded a series of strong earthquakes in recent months, including one that prompted a week-long megaquake advisory in December.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said emergency response teams were assessing the situation and prioritising public safety while preparing for any relief operations that might become necessary. She also urged residents in affected areas to remain alert for possible aftershocks.
In the town of Hashikami, a primary school principal said her vehicle swayed from side to side while she was driving to work when the earthquake struck. Although children already at the school were unharmed, some were reportedly frightened by the shaking. Classes were later cancelled and students were sent home safely.
Public broadcaster NHK reported that the quake was felt for several minutes in cities including Sendai and Morioka, but there were no immediate signs of significant damage. Footage showed residents largely continuing with their daily activities.
Rail operator East Japan Railway temporarily suspended some bullet train and local rail services to conduct safety inspections following the earthquake.
Government officials also said there were no abnormalities reported at nuclear facilities, including the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and a spent fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori Prefecture.
Japan sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic regions, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence across the country
