Strong 6.2 earthquake rattles western Japan, followed by several more shakes

Japan Earthquake: Alert Issued After Powerful 6.2-Magnitude Quake Strikes Shimane Prefecture

Rounak Bagchi

A strong earthquake has struck western Japan, according to the country's meteorological authorities.

The magnitude 6.2 quake hit Shimane Prefecture at 10:18 local time on Tuesday, registering a strong 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale. Officials said there was no threat of a tsunami. A second tremor followed about 10 minutes later, at 10:28, with a magnitude of 5.1. It measured a lower 5 on the intensity scale

This comes barely a month after a powerful earthquake had hit the northeastern part of the country, prompting the evacuation of at least 90,000 residents.

Strong earthquake rattles western Japan, followed by several more shakes

A series of earthquakes rocked Shimane and Tottori prefectures on Tuesday morning, beginning with a magnitude 6.2 shake at 10:18 measuring a strong 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale. 

There was no threat of a tsunami, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. 

As of 11 a.m., seven quakes had followed the initial shake, including a magnitude 5.1 temblor that measured a weak 5 on the intensity scale. 

The Maritime Self-Defense Force said on X that it will conduct a damage assessment in the affected areas. 

The quakes were also felt in surrounding areas, including Osaka, and triggered phone alerts across wide areas.

Early warnings were broadcast via television stations and in affected municipalities. Video footage shared on X shows a quake alarm playing over a loudspeaker in Shimane.