6.0-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Hiroo Coast, Japan

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Hiroo in southeastern Hokkaido early Monday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located about 64 kilometers south-southeast of Hiroo in the Pacific Ocean, at a depth of roughly 27 kilometers.

This quake came just a day after a similar 6.1-magnitude tremor hit the nearby city of Kushiro on Sunday night. Both events were shallow and caused no reported injuries or significant damage, though they unsettled residents in the region. Experts suggest Saturday’s quake may have been a foreshock to the more recent tremors near Hiroo.

The USGS classified Monday’s earthquake as minor in impact, issuing a “green alert,” which signals a low likelihood of casualties or major economic harm. Japanese authorities confirmed there were no tsunami warnings or notable changes in sea level. Initial checks reported no landslides or infrastructure damage.

Tremors from Monday’s earthquake were felt lightly by nearly two million people in surrounding areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has advised residents to stay alert for possible aftershocks.

A resident of Hiroo shared their concerns on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “The shaking was stronger and lasted longer than expected. We’re worried about more aftershocks and hope the pressure will ease gradually.”

Japan lies along the seismically active Ring of Fire, and the region is accustomed to frequent earthquakes. Most buildings in Hokkaido are built to withstand seismic activity, although some older structures made of adobe or unreinforced brick remain vulnerable.

Authorities have encouraged residents to review emergency preparedness plans, but daily life in Hiroo and Kushiro has mostly returned to normal following the tremors.

Source: Web  Desk