M6.0 earthquake hits off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Honshu, Japan

A strong earthquake registered by the JMA as M6.0 hit off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Honshu, Japan at 17:46 UTC on October 5, 2021, at a depth of 50 km (31 miles). USGS is reporting it as M5.6 at a depth of 54 km (33 miles), EMSC M5.6 at 60 km (37 miles).

The epicenter was located about 54 km (33 miles) NNE of Miyako (population 51 721) and 77 km (48 miles) SE of Hachinohe (population 239 046), Japan.

There are 790 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

74 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking, according to the USGS PAGER.

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.

Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google