Magnitude 5+ Earthquake Hits Hokkaido, Japan... "May Continue for a Week"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Two earthquakes with magnitudes over 5 occurred in the northern part of the Soya region in Hokkaido, Japan. The Meteorological Agency held an emergency press conference to report on the damage caused by the earthquakes.

On the 11th, NHK broadcast, citing the Japan Meteorological Agency, reported that earthquakes measuring 5.2 and 5.4 in magnitude struck the northern Soya region of Hokkaido at 12:35 AM and 12:53 AM, respectively. Following these two earthquakes, there were 12 additional tremors of intensity 1 or higher on the seismic scale until 2:40 AM. The hypocenter depth was 4 km, and the Meteorological Agency stated that there is no tsunami threat due to the earthquakes.

Seismic intensity 5-strong is one of the Japan Meteorological Agency’s own intensity scales, indicating shaking strong enough to make walking difficult without holding onto something stable. Due to the earthquakes, damage occurred in Nakagawa Town, Hokkaido, including the collapse of road edges and upheaval of the road surface. Additionally, two households residing in Nakagawa Town evacuated due to the earthquakes.

The Meteorological Agency warned, "Once a large earthquake occurs, seismic activity tends to become more active," and advised caution as earthquakes of about seismic intensity 5-strong may continue for the next week. They also stated, "Especially in the case of Nakagawa Town, recent heavy rains have loosened the ground, raising concerns about landslides caused by the earthquakes," and added, "If heavy rain warnings or landslide disaster warnings are issued, evacuate promptly."