Tokyo: A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan on Saturday morning, triggering panic among residents. However, authorities said there was no tsunami threat and no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake occurred at 11:48 a.m. local time at a depth of about 80 km beneath the Pacific coast of Aomori. It registered Level 4 on Japan’s seven-point seismic intensity scale. The epicentre was located at 41.3°N latitude and 142.0°E longitude.
The JMA said no tsunami warning or advisory was issued following the quake. Officials are assessing the situation, and there have been no official reports of loss of life or significant property damage so far.
The tremor comes days after a powerful earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, which caused extensive damage and claimed 35 lives. The earlier disaster damaged roads, disrupted transport and led to long queues at petrol stations, with many residents spending the night in their vehicles.
Relief and rehabilitation efforts are continuing in Kumamoto, where hundreds of people, including elderly residents and children, remain in temporary shelters.
