Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake, multiple strong aftershocks hit Shimane Prefecture, Japan

A strong M6.2 earthquake struck the eastern part of Shimane Prefecture, Japan on Tuesday morning, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The USGS and EMSC both registered the quake as an M5.7, reporting the same depth as the JMA.

The epicenter was located 18 km (11 miles) N of Matsue (population 156 800), 19 km (12 miles) SW of Yasugichō (population 38 875), 26 km (16 miles) WSW of Yonago (population 148 720), 27 km (16 miles) ESE of Hiratachō (population 28 150), and 28 km (17 miles) SSW of Sakaiminato (population 36 320), western Honshu, Japan.

Over the next 10 hours, JMA registered multiple strong aftershocks, with the strongest reported as M5.1 at 01:28 UTC and M5.4 at 01:37 UTC, both at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).

The earthquake occurred approximately 30 km (18 miles) from a major active fault zone and is not believed to have originated from activity along that fault.

The quake caused power outages that temporarily disrupted the bullet train services on the Shanyo Shikansen Line.

In western Tottori Prefecture, officials in Houki Town are trying to confirm reports of a collapsed stone wall blocking a road in the Kamihosomi district.

Meanwhile, in Hiezu Village, officials have received word of toppled gravestones in the Tomiyoshi district.

“In high-rise buildings, there is a possibility that large, slow shaking different from normal will occur, mainly on the top floors of buildings over 14 or 15 stories,” said Ayata Ebita, head of the JMA’s Earthquake and Tsunami Monitoring Division of the Earthquake and Volcano Department.

Ebita added that there are concerns about the impact on infrastructure, such as bridges.

JMA warned residents of the affected areas to remain on alert for earthquakes with a maximum intensity of upper-5 for the next week or so, especially for the next two or three days.

The agency is urging people to pay particular attention to several points. There is a risk of falling rocks and landslides in areas where strong shaking was observed, and the combination of earthquakes and rain may cause the ground to loosen further. Residents are advised to exercise caution when handling fire during cooking, as aftershocks may occur suddenly.

In preparation for a nighttime earthquake, people are urged to check evacuation routes and keep items such as a flashlight and slippers close to their pillows. The agency also advises securing furniture to prevent it from toppling and remaining alert to the danger of falling signs and fences when outdoors.

Professor Nishimura Takuya of Kyoto University’s Disaster Prevention Research Institute said the tremors appear to have struck close to the focus of a powerful M6.6 quake that hit western Tottori Prefecture in 2000.

This is the first time an M5+ earthquake has been observed in Tottori Prefecture since October 21, 2016. In Shimane Prefecture, it is the first time since April 9, 2018.

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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