M6.0 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan

A strong earthquake registered by the JMA as M6.0 hit near the east coast of Honshu, Japan at 23:58 UTC on May 13, 2021 (08:58 JST, May 14). The agency is reporting a depth of 40 km (25 miles). USGS is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 32 km (20 miles); EMSC M6.0 at a depth of 55 km (34 miles).

The epicenter was located 73 km (45 miles) ENE of Namie, Fukushima, and 89 km (55 miles) SSE of Ishinomaki, Miyagi, Japan.

There are about 1 080 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

3 282 000 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