Strong M6.1 earthquake hits off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan at 03:16 UTC on April 4, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 40 km (25 miles). The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 40 km.

The epicenter was located 84 km (52 miles) E of Minami-Sōma (population 59 005), 85 km (53 miles) ENE of Namie (population 21 866), and 111 km (69 miles) ESE of Sendai (population 1 096 704).

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

4 685 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.

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