Strong M6.0 earthquake strikes off the coast of Kyushu, Japan
A strong earthquake registered by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) as M6.0 struck off the east coast of Osumi Peninsula, Kyushu at around 23:04 JST (14:04 UTC) on April 2, 2025. The USGS is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 26 km (16 miles).
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located roughly 54 km (34 miles) ENE of Nishinoomote (population 18 000), 58 km (36 miles) SSW of Kushima (population 22 000), and 63 km (39 miles) SW of Shibushi (population 18 000).
26 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 2 633 000 light.
There is no tsunami risk 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 heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry construction.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.2 earthquake Japan – USGS – April 2, 2025
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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