A strong earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude struck Hokkaido early Monday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the United States Geological Survey.
The tremor occurred shortly before 5:30 a.m. in southern Hokkaido at a depth of 83 kilometres. It registered an upper 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale in Urahoro and a lower 5 in Niikappu.
Authorities confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued, and initial assessments suggest minimal risk to life and property, partly due to the relatively low population density in the affected area, located about 200 kilometres east of Sapporo.
JMA official Ayataka Ebita stated that the earthquake is not linked to the agency’s recent advisory warning of a potential megaquake following last week’s 7.7 magnitude tremor off Iwate Prefecture.
However, he cautioned that areas experiencing strong shaking may face increased risks of landslides and falling rocks.
Last week’s quake resulted in six injuries and triggered tsunami waves of up to 80 centimetres in parts of Iwate, with minor waves reported elsewhere in northern Japan.
The special advisory, covering 182 municipalities from Hokkaido to Chiba Prefecture, is set to expire later Monday, though officials warn that earthquake risks may still persist.
