Strong M6.4 earthquake hits Tanegashima, Kyushu, Japan

strong-m6-4-earthquake-hits-tanegashima-kyushu-japan

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the JMA as M6.4 hit Tanegashima, Kyushu, Japan at 12:39 UTC on January 8, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 30 km (18.6 miles). USGS is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 35 km (21.7 miles); EMSC M6.3 at a depth of 40 km (24.8 miles). This earthquake can have a low humanitarian impact based on the magnitude and the affected population and their vulnerability.

According to the USGS, the epicenter was located 16 km (9.9 miles) SSE of Nishinoomote (population 17 832) and 80 km (50 miles) SSE of Ibusaki (population 29 710), Kagoshima, Japan.

There are 290 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

14 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 17 000 strong, 7 000 moderate and 424 000 light.

Although there may be slight sea-level changes in coastal regions/ this earthquake has caused no damage to Japan, JMA said.

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: Google, EMSC, TW/SAM

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

One Comment

  1. It’s so strange – When You Have warn all Catastrofic world Wide since 1976 3 month before – China -nobody listen – 1 million kill – Norway Gov. laugh and then all 2004 Indonesia the hole year and 13 years before like 2010 and Haiti 220 000 kill warn a hole year before and Now Indonesia again 22.12.2018 and The two other that was 2018 and Guatemala and 40 warning and why is nobody interrest what must a little man do ?+ Remember Kyoto 1995 I warn it in 1990 like 2011 Tsunamies Japan I warn it in 1999 and 2007 and 2010 and week before – I told a Japanis Researcher about it 1999 and No he didn’t want to know why – why not try to begin start to prepear and warn and try to save some People – Remember My Friends -Now we are at the end og MAYA Calender that end in 2022 Christmas – are we ready – in the New wave on Our Mother Earth !

Leave a Reply to Director Oddvar Eriksen Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *