Deep M6.5 earthquake hits near the south coast of Honshu, Japan

A deep earthquake registered by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) as M6.5 hit near the south coast of Honshu, Japan at 18:33 UTC on July 27, 2019 (03:31 JST, July 28). The agency is reporting a depth of 420 km (261 miles). The USGS is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 375.8 km (233.5 miles).

The epicenter was located 145 km (90 miles) ESE of Shingu and 151 km (94 miles) SW of Owase, Japan.

This earthquake poses no tsunami risk, JMA said.

There are no people living within 100 km (62 miles).

193 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.

Image credit: Google, TW/SAM

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.

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM