Strong 6.6 Quake Hits Near Coast Of Japan

Strong M6.6 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan

Teo Blašković

A strong earthquake registered by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) as M6.6 hit off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture, Honshu, Japan at 01:27 UTC (10:27 JST) on May 1, 2021. The agency is reporting a depth of 60 km (37 miles). USGS is reporting M6.8 at a depth of 47 km (29 miles), EMSC M6.8 at a depth of 60 km.

The epicenter was located 38 km (24 miles) ESE of Ishinomaki (population 117 233), 45 km (28 miles) ESE of Yamoto (population 32 028) and 70 km (44 miles) E of Sendai (population 1 063 103), Miyagi, Japan.

There are 2 450 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

1 309 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking and 1 166 000 light.

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry construction.

This earthquake poses no tsunami risk, JMA said.