Japan: A strong earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu on Friday evening, briefly disrupting transportation services and triggering emergency alerts across parts of the Tohoku region. Authorities later confirmed there was no tsunami threat and no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake measured magnitude 6.7 and occurred near the coastal city of Ofunato in Iwate Prefecture. The epicentre was located approximately 49 kilometres east-southeast of the city at a shallow depth. The tremor struck at 8:22 pm local time, equivalent to 4:52 pm IST.
Meanwhile, the Japan Meteorological Agency separately recorded the quake at magnitude 6.3 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale. Strong shaking measuring lower 5 intensity was reported in several cities across Miyagi Prefecture, including Tome, Osaki and Ishinomaki. Several neighbouring areas in Miyagi and Iwate prefectures also experienced intensity 4 tremors.
Emergency earthquake warnings were issued immediately after the quake, though authorities later reassured residents that there was no danger of a tsunami. Officials advised people in affected regions to remain calm and stay alert for possible aftershocks.
The earthquake also caused temporary disruptions to public transportation. East Japan Railway Company, commonly known as JR East, suspended operations on the Tohoku Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori as a precautionary measure.
Train services were gradually restored later in the evening, although some Yamagata Shinkansen routes remained suspended for inspections.
Authorities said there were no immediate reports of injuries, major structural damage or widespread power outages. Inspection teams were deployed across affected areas to assess infrastructure and transportation systems.
The latest tremor is among the strongest earthquakes recorded in the Tohoku region in recent weeks. Japan, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, remains one of the world’s most seismically active countries due to constant tectonic plate movement beneath the region.
