Japan’s Hokkaido region was struck by a 6.1 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday, marking the second occurrence of a quake of similar intensity in just over a month. The seismic event occurred at 6:18 pm local time (0918 GMT) at a depth of 20 kilometers (12 miles), as reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
While a magnitude of 6.1 on the Richter scale typically poses a risk of damage in densely populated areas, Japanese media outlets have not yet reported any casualties or significant destruction. As of now, no tsunami warning has been issued following the quake.
This recent earthquake follows a similar event that shook Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido on February 25, further highlighting the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
Earlier this month, Japan faced another significant earthquake when a powerful 7.4 magnitude quake struck the eastern part of the Fukushima prefecture. This area, known for suffering Japan’s largest earthquake 11 years ago, experienced casualties and widespread infrastructure damage, leaving thousands of homes without essential services.
Japan’s susceptibility to earthquakes is a consequence of its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for intense seismic activity spanning Southeast Asia and the Pacific basin. In response to this threat, Japan has implemented stringent construction regulations to ensure buildings can withstand seismic forces, and regular emergency drills are conducted to prepare communities for potential disasters.
Despite these precautions, the recurrence of significant earthquakes underscores the ongoing challenge of managing seismic risks in one of the world’s most seismically active regions.
Edited by News Desk