Strong M6.1 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
A strong earthquake registered by the JMA as M6.1 hit near the coast of Hokkaido, Japan at 13:27 UTC (22:27 LT) on February 25, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 60 km (37.3 miles). The USGS is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 50.2 km (31 miles); EMSC M6.1 at a depth of 50 km (31 miles).
The epicenter was located 60.9 km (37.8 miles) ESE of Kushiro (population 183 612), 72.9 km (45.3 miles) SW of Nemuro (population 31 223), and 97.8 km (60.8 miles) S of Shibetsu (population 21 733), Hokkaido, Japan.
According to the USGS PAGER, 2 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 779 000 light.
There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
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 adobe block and unreinforced brick with mud 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
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