6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Off Iwate Coast Shakes Northeastern Japan

On the morning of June 28, 2024, at 7:25 a.m. local time (5:21 a.m. Singapore time), a magnitude-6.1 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Iwate Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) located the hypocenter about 40 km (25 mi) beneath the seabed. The tremor was felt in Aomori Prefecture and surrounding areas, registering a lower-5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale. No tsunami warning was issued, and early reports indicated no casualties, injuries, or property damage.

6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Northeastern Japan, No Tsunami Warning IssuedThe Straits Times6.1 magnitude earthquake off northeastern coastline rattles Japan; no tsunami warning issued

The event follows a series of strong quakes in the same region. A magnitude-7.2 earthquake hit the Iwate area on June 25, injuring at least ten people, disrupting bullet-train services and prompting temporary school closures. Earlier in the week, a magnitude-5.6 quake shook Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji. The clustering of tremors during the typhoon season has heightened concerns about mudslides.

6.1 magnitude earthquake off northeastern coastline rattles Japan; no tsunami warning issued6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Northeastern Japan, No Tsunami Warning IssuedThe Straits Times

Authorities monitored critical facilities after the quake. Tohoku Electric Power Co. reported no abnormalities at the Higashidori nuclear power plant in Aomori or at the Onagawa nuclear power complex in Miyagi Prefecture. Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. confirmed that the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in Rokkasho, Aomori, also remained stable. Local officials warned residents to stay alert for landslides, especially in vulnerable coastal and mountainous zones.

The Straits Times

The JMA issued an official bulletin confirming the 6.1 magnitude, 40 km depth, and absence of a tsunami threat, while noting that additional tremors could follow. Tohoku Electric Power Co. and Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. each issued statements affirming the continued safe operation of their respective nuclear facilities. Municipal authorities in Iwate and Aomori advised the public to evacuate buildings briefly during the shaking and to remain prepared for aftershocks and possible landslides.

6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Northeastern Japan, No Tsunami Warning Issued

• "No tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties." — Japan Meteorological Agency report

6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Northeastern Japan, No Tsunami Warning Issued

• "The quake measured lower 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 in parts of Aomori and Iwate prefectures." — JMA seismic intensity assessment

The Straits Times6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Northeastern Japan, No Tsunami Warning Issued6.1 magnitude earthquake off northeastern coastline rattles Japan; no tsunami warning issued

• "No abnormalities were reported at a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in Rokkasho, a Pacific coastal village in Aomori Prefecture, Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. said." — Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. statement

The Straits Times

• "Officials, however, urged residents to remain cautious as repeated seismic activity has heightened concerns over the possibility of landslides in vulnerable areas." — Local authority advisory

6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Northeastern Japan, No Tsunami Warning Issued

The JMA said it will keep monitoring seismic activity and issue updates on aftershocks. Local authorities have advised residents to stay alert for further shaking and possible landslides.

6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Northeastern Japan, No Tsunami Warning Issued