Tokyo : A powerful earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck northern Japan on Thursday, causing strong tremors across several regions, including parts of northeastern Honshu and as far as Tokyo. Despite the intensity of the quake, authorities confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake’s epicentre was located offshore near the northeastern coast of Honshu, at an estimated depth of around 50 kilometres. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and other monitoring agencies also recorded the quake at magnitude 6.9.
The tremors were felt widely across the Tohoku region, prompting immediate precautionary measures. Train services, including high-speed bullet trains, were temporarily suspended in several areas as safety inspections were carried out.
Officials reported no immediate casualties or major structural damage. Emergency response teams were deployed to assess infrastructure and monitor for possible aftershocks, which are common following significant seismic events.
Japanese authorities have urged residents to remain alert and follow safety advisories, as aftershocks may continue in the coming hours or days.
Japan lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the most seismically active zones in the world, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence in the country.