Shallow M6.1 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan

east-coast-of-honshu-japan-earthquake-september-12-2020

A strong earthquake registered by the JMA as M6.1 hit near the east coast of Honshu, Japan at 02:44 UTC (11:44 LT) on September 12, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 40 km (25 miles). USGS is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 32 km (20 miles), EMSC M6.1 at 51 km (32 miles).

The epicenter was located about 58 km (36 miles) Se of Ofunato (population 35 418) and 66 km (41 miles) SSE of Kamaishi (population 43 107), Iwate, Japan.

There are 630 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

This earthquake poses no tsunami risk, JMA said.

1 697 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.

Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

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 and fires that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google

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