2-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Northern Japan Without Triggering Tsunami Warning

TOKYO — An intense earthquake shook the northern coast of Japan on Thursday, but authorities confirmed that there was no tsunami threat.

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 7.2, occurring just off the eastern coastline of Iwate, an upgrade from initial estimates of 6.9. The tremor originated approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) below the surface. A similar magnitude of 6.9 was observed by the U.S. Geological Survey.

This latest seismic activity took place in a region familiar with powerful quakes, following several such incidents in recent months, including a significant tremor in December that resulted in a prolonged advisory for mega-quake precautions.

On Thursday morning, during typical rush hour, the quake mildly rocked Tokyo and Japan’s northeastern territories. No immediate reports of injuries or infrastructural damage were noted, as confirmed by Minoru Kihara, the chief government spokesperson.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the media in Tokyo, emphasizing that the government’s emergency response team prioritizes citizen safety while gathering information and preparing for potential relief efforts. She advised those in impacted areas to remain vigilant for aftershocks.

Tomoko Nagane, a primary school principal in the town of Hashikami in Aomori prefecture, told NHK that she was driving when the quake alert went off and that she felt moderate sideways shaking. Children already gathered at the school were safe, she said, though some were crying in fear. Classes were canceled for the day, and children have all returned home safely, Nagane said.

Footage on Japan’s NHK public television quoted its journalists from a number of strongly-hit towns, including Sendai and Morioka, saying they felt the shaking for a couple of minutes but have not seen any damage. Footage showed people commuting as usual.

The East Japan Railway Co., which operates trains in northeastern regions, said some bullet trains and other local lines have been suspended for safety checks.

Nuclear power plants and facilities, including the Fukushima Daiichi plant which was damaged by the 2011 massive quake and tsunami, and a spent fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori, have not reported any abnormalities from Thursday’s earthquake, Kihara said.

Japan, which sits on what is known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone areas.