Two moderate earthquakes struck eastern Japan within a span of just three hours early Thursday, shaking parts of Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said neither earthquake posed a tsunami threat. No immediate reports of major damage or casualties were received.
According to Kyodo News, citing the JMA, the first earthquake struck at 4:13 a.m. local time, with its epicentre located in northeastern Chiba Prefecture. The agency initially measured the quake at magnitude 4.8, with its focus approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) below the surface.
The tremor registered lower 4 on Japan’s seven-level seismic intensity scale in Asahi city, Chiba Prefecture. Shaking was also felt across neighbouring Ibaraki Prefecture and other parts of eastern Japan.
The early-morning tremor caused brief concern among local residents, but there were no immediate reports of significant damage or disruption.
Just three hours later, another earthquake struck neighbouring Ibaraki Prefecture. The second tremor occurred at 7:14 a.m. local time, according to the JMA.
The agency estimated the second earthquake at magnitude 4.0, with its focus approximately 60 kilometres underground. The quake registered 3 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale in Hitachiomiya city, Ibaraki Prefecture.
The JMA said neither of the two earthquakes generated a tsunami, and no tsunami warning or advisory was issued for coastal areas.
Authorities also reported no major structural damage, injuries or other serious consequences in the immediate aftermath of the two earthquakes.
Earthquakes are relatively common in Japan, one of the world’s most seismically active countries. The country lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a zone of intense seismic and volcanic activity, making frequent tremors a familiar occurrence. Several earthquakes have also been recorded in eastern Japan in recent weeks.
On October 1, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck the northeastern part of Chiba Prefecture. Just two days earlier, on September 29, a magnitude 4.9 earthquake was recorded in eastern Japan.
The region was also hit by a stronger magnitude 5.9 earthquake on August 23. Tremors from that quake were felt in Tokyo, with at least 40 people reportedly injured.
Against the backdrop of these recent seismic events, Thursday’s two successive earthquakes have once again drawn attention to seismic activity in eastern Japan.
With no major damage or casualties reported following Thursday’s tremors, the situation remained stable. Japanese authorities are continuing to monitor the region and remain prepared to respond should further seismic activity or related risks emerge.
Sources: Kyodo News; Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)