Central Japan was struck by a moderate earthquake on June 3rd, 2024, registering a magnitude of 5. 9 on the Richter scale. The tremor, centered in the Noto Peninsula, a region previously impacted by a devastating earthquake in January that claimed over 230 lives, caused some jitters but according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), there was no risk of a tsunami.
The shallow jolt struck at 6:31 am local time (2131 GMT), rousing residents from their sleep. While local officials reported no immediate signs of damage, assessments were still ongoing in the wake of the earthquake. A smaller aftershock measuring 4. 8 magnitude rattled the same area roughly ten minutes later.
The Noto Peninsula is situated on the Sea of Japan coast, approximately 190 miles northwest of Tokyo. The region is no stranger to seismic activity, lying along the intersection of four tectonic plates. The January earthquake, which struck at a magnitude of 6. 7, caused widespread destruction and triggered landslides.
Following Monday's earthquake, authorities advised residents to prioritize safety by checking for injuries and potential hazards around their homes. Evacuation centers were opened as a precaution, though there were no immediate reports of residents needing to leave their homes.
Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries globally due to its position on the Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped region around the Pacific Ocean notorious for frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The JMA maintains a robust earthquake monitoring system that provides real-time alerts and tsunami warnings when necessary.
Monday's earthquake served as a reminder of the constant threat posed by seismic activity in Japan. While the tremor caused some anxiety, the lack of significant damage and the absence of a tsunami threat provided some relief. However, authorities emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared for future earthquakes.